Computer: What is C:\Windows\Temp ?

[H.G.P.]

Computer: What is C:\Windows\Temp ?

What is the function of this folder?

I see there are items in this folder. Should they be left alone?

Thanks

[slodave]

You can delete the items. It may have been a folder created when you installed certain programs. I often create the folder myself when needing a temporary folder to keep downloaded drivers.

Dave

[H.G.P.]

OK, one of my computers the folder is filled with items. Thanks.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

It should be cleaned out regularly. Windows is too stupid to delete all the temp files it creates for many applications. I've literally seen computers with like 600MB worth of old temp files and crap in that folder. . . It slows things down a LOT.

The newer releases are better, BTW, but it should still be checked periodically and if necessarly, purged.

[Joeaksa]

HG,

You know that when you delete items out of the "temp" directory that you are not really deleting them yet?

You have to clean out the "recycle" bin and after that its a good idea to "defrag" the hard drive, especially if its been a while since doing so or if you have deleted a large number of files.

JoeA

[H.G.P.]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
HG,

You know that when you delete items out of the "temp" directory that you are not really deleting them yet?

You have to clean out the "recycle" bin and after that its a good idea to "defrag" the hard drive, especially if its been a while since doing so or if you have deleted a large number of files.

JoeA

Yes, I noticed that, and the r-bin is right on the d-top. One of my temp folders has items dating back to 1999.

Thanks

[84porsche]

Wanted to add to the question, hope you don't mind H.G.P. - what is this temp folder ...

C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Temp

and can these be cleaned out as well?

[slodave]

Originally posted by 84porsche
Wanted to add to the question, hope you don't mind H.G.P. - what is this temp folder ...

C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Temp

and can these be cleaned out as well?

The stuff in there can go as well...

Dave

[John Rogers]

You might try this to clean things out: Go to start -> Run -> and then type in %temp% in the space and press OKAY. When the window appears, marl everything and delete them. You might be surprised how much is on your PC.

[Rob Channell]

If you hold down the Shift key while deleting files they will just be deleted instead of moved to the recycle bin.