Temp Folder Query

[Tomliner]

I know this may be a bit user specific,but I was wondering if the XP folder - Documents and Setting/PC User/Local Settings/Temp can be safely emptied.It is currently 297Mb although not in itself a problem,does take a while to scan when I decide to do a full antivirus scan.Thanks folks. EricT

[Garry Russell]

HI Eric

I have often emptied mine but usually I run C Cleaner (CrapCleaner) and that is one of the many unsued and old files locations it cleans up....sometimes GB of the stuff after a while.

[Kevin Farnell]

I agree with Garry. I've been using CCLeaner http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download for some years and never had any issues.
It's also great for cleaning the registry (can give a marked improvement to the PC's performance), whilst allowing a backup tp be made prior to cleaning.

If you do use CCLeaner, go into 'Options', 'Cookies' and and transfer any cookies from websites that you have added a password (e.g. CBFSim) to the 'Cookies to Keep' window. This should prevent you having to log in each visit.

Regards

Kevin

[TSR2]

Hi Eric,

This temp folder does no real harm. It actually contains some bits and pieces that are useful to leave there (Java often leaves stuff there) as it can re use it the next time a program is run. As the chaps say, its safe to delete, but some things java websites etc my take a second or two longer the next time you visit them. I'm surprised its taking a long time to scan 290 odd MB. As a general rule I'd suggest if its not broken just leave it. Remember deleting a block of data like this should realy be followed by a defrag. If its sitting there not doing anything, its not doing any harm unless you are very short of space. Running tools like ccleaner or anything else that "fixes" the registry are only necessary when something is broken or you have a serious performance issue. So I'd suggest if you are going to run these tools it should be reasonably infrequently and followed up by other housekeeping tasks such as a defrag.

[Garry Russell]

Yep Ben ...I run it when things slow up or after I delete programmes.

It does a good job and you are able to check before deleting if you ask it to anylise.

But as always, if things are running well I don't run it. Some people run it as a matter of procedure once a week or so, but personally I see no reason for that.

One thing that has caused me slow ups is too much in the prefetch causing loads of programmes to run in the background I don't want. Sometimes I empty that

But generally I rather wait for a problem and then run CCleaner and defrag or whatever as a preference to manually emtying folders and there may be other parts elsewhere limiting the value of just clearing that one folder

[nigelb]

Windows updates will leave behind a lot of temporary files. I updated this morning for the "patch Tuesday" updates and just ran CCleaner out of curiosity. The Windows update has left behind about 25mb of temporary files consisting of install logs and so on. I left them alone for now, but will probably clear them in a few days if I don't find any problems with the "patch Tuesday" update.

Nigel²

[Tomliner]

Thanks for the replies guys.I'm not having any particular problems with this,and tend to go along with the idea that if it aint broke dont fix it.I defrag regularly and have loads of free disc space.It was intended as a general question but I do appreciate your responses.EricT

[petermcleland]

Eric,

If you are talking about your equivilent of this folder:-

C:\Documents and Settings\Peter McLeland\Local Settings\Temp

My version of CCleaner leaves that folder alone and I would advise that you leave it alone as well

Mine is only 2.20 MBs

[GHD]

It is as it says, a temporary folder. You can delete all files which are not protected.

George

[DaveB]

Hmm.. I just had a look in my temp folder and found it to be a paltry 842mb! Ay Caramba

Wish I'd not looked now

ATB

DaveB