Deleting Temp Files in Vista

 

Computers usually end up running slower because they need a bit of housecleaning now and again. Every time some programs are run, they create temp files that are stored on the hard drive. These temp files are just that: temporary. When the program is closed, the temp file is left behind. Any benefit that we derive from leaving these files on the hard drive is lost by the effect that the accumulation of these files will have on the system. After enough files are collected, Windows will simply begin to slow down.

AUTOMATIC DISK CLEANUP

Windows Vista has a Disk Cleanup feature that will automatically clean the unnecessary files that it can. However, getting rid of the temp files by hand is quick and easy, so I'd recommend doing it that way.

MANUAL DISK CLEANUP

To access and delete these temporary files by hand, do the following:

1. Click Start and type %temp% in the Search box. The Temp folder (which is located at Users\\AppData\Local) will show up in your Start Menu. Click it to open the folder.

2. Select all the files in the folder by pressing CTRL+A on your keyboard.

3. Press the Delete key.

That's it. Any files that are in use will not be deleted. You'll be asked about them. Just say Skip and move on. You may also want to check the box in the lower left hand corner of the File In Use dialog that says Do this for all current items.

EMPTY THE RECYCLE BIN

The temp files are out of your directory structure in Windows, but they are still taking up space on your hard drive. They are in the Recycle Bin. Locate the Recycle Bin on your desktop, right-click it, and select Empty Recycle Bin. Answer Yes, and your trash is out at the curb.