Temp Directory

[Waguih Boctor]

Hi,

This is really a very general question and I just want to confirm the
answer. Often when installing programs generates an error, the typical
response we get from tech support is to completely delete everything from
the Windows\Temp and the user's Local Settings\Temp directories. Are there
any cases where this shouldn't be done? I.e. are there situations when
deleting the contents of either or both of these directories can cause
damage to the system? How about relative to Windows 2000 and other Windows
versions?

Thank you.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

This is really a very general question and I just want to confirm the
answer. Often when installing programs generates an error, the typical
response we get from tech support is to completely delete everything
from the Windows\Temp and the user's Local Settings\Temp directories.
Are there any cases where this shouldn't be done? I.e. are there
situations when deleting the contents of either or both of these
directories can cause damage to the system? How about relative to
Windows 2000 and other Windows versions?

In any version of Windows, its safe to do. The only temp files
not safe to delete are those in use, and Windows won't let you
delete those even if you try.

The only other issue is that there are some program installations
that work in two steps. The first step ends by saving some temp
files and rebooting. The second step needs to find those temp
files there. So you should never do anything to automatically
delete the content of the temp file when booting, for example, in
Windows 9X, by doing it from autoexec.bat.

 

[Waguih Boctor]

Thanks, Ken.

That as the answer I was expecting. Just wanted to make sure. Specifically,
the latest update to ZoneAlarm Pro will not install and that was what their
tech support people suggested.

Thanks again.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Thanks, Ken.

That as the answer I was expecting. Just wanted to make sure.

You're welcome. Checking to make sure, instead of just believing
the first person who tells you something, is always a good idea.

 

[Bill James]

There can be exceptions to that. If you have previously installed a program that requested a reboot, but you chose to wait until later to reboot, there may be files in Temp that are going to be needed at reboot. Since they are not actually in use after you decline the reboot, they are not locked and Windows will let you delete them, causing an error when you do reboot. If you know you have not installed anything, then no problem, but many people go for days or weeks without rebooting, and can easily forget about an install that they deferred reboot for. So, I think a safer answer is that anything in Temp after a reboot is OK to delete.

--

Bill James
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User

Win9x VBScript Utilities » www.billsway.com/vbspage/
Windows Tweaks & Tips » www.billsway.com/notes_public/

Thanks, Ken.

That as the answer I was expecting. Just wanted to make sure. Specifically,
the latest update to ZoneAlarm Pro will not install and that was what their
tech support people suggested.

Thanks again.