In general any file that Windows or any other program running under Windows puts in the c:\windows\temp folder is meant to be temporary. If programs makers follow the rules, then they should not ever put anything in that folder that is not meant to be temporary, and the programs should clear the files in the temporary folder when they exit. The problem is that sometimes Windows or the program crashes before it is able to delete its temporary files. When this happens, temporary files that should have been deleted remain in the temp folder, serving no useful purpose whatsoever. Thus, it is generally safe to delete any files in the temp folder that are not currently in use by a program running on the computer. If a file in the temp folder is being used, you will get an error message telling you that you cannot delete that file because it is in use.
The bottom line is that it is a good idea to delete the files in the temp folder from time to time, the best time to delete these files is immediately after you boot and before any programs run that may put new files in the temp folder. If you are still need some assurance, let the files you delete go to the recycle bin. If you don't have any problems you can empty the recycle bin. If you have problems you can restore the files from the recycle bin.
I routinely delete all files in the temp folder and have never had any problems as a result.
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
January 21st, 2004 03:00
In general any file that Windows or any other program running under Windows puts in the c:\windows\temp folder is meant to be temporary. If programs makers follow the rules, then they should not ever put anything in that folder that is not meant to be temporary, and the programs should clear the files in the temporary folder when they exit. The problem is that sometimes Windows or the program crashes before it is able to delete its temporary files. When this happens, temporary files that should have been deleted remain in the temp folder, serving no useful purpose whatsoever. Thus, it is generally safe to delete any files in the temp folder that are not currently in use by a program running on the computer. If a file in the temp folder is being used, you will get an error message telling you that you cannot delete that file because it is in use.
The bottom line is that it is a good idea to delete the files in the temp folder from time to time, the best time to delete these files is immediately after you boot and before any programs run that may put new files in the temp folder. If you are still need some assurance, let the files you delete go to the recycle bin. If you don't have any problems you can empty the recycle bin. If you have problems you can restore the files from the recycle bin.
I routinely delete all files in the temp folder and have never had any problems as a result.
Steve
buddee
56 Posts
0
January 21st, 2004 12:00