Delete Files and Folders Safely

[Guest]

Hi

I know that you can delete files and folders that are in the C:\Windows\temp.
How about files and folders in the C:\Temp folder?

How do you know if the files and folders in the C:\Program Files are safe to
delete?
I notice that there are some folders in the C:\Program Files that are empty.
Do you think it is safe to delete these empty folders from the Program Files
folder? How can you check if these empty folders in the Program Files folder
are in use by Windows XP or by other programs running in Windows XP?

Please reply soon.

Thanks

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Egan,

I know that you can delete files and folders that are in the
C:\Windows\temp.
How about files and folders in the C:\Temp folder?

That's not a system folder, and may have been created by an installation
routine. In any case, I doubt that deleting anything in it will cause a
problem.

How do you know if the files and folders in the C:\Program Files are safe
to
delete?

If you know *you* have uninstalled the program, then the folder is safe to
delete. Otherwise leave it.

I notice that there are some folders in the C:\Program Files that are
empty.
Do you think it is safe to delete these empty folders from the Program
Files
folder? How can you check if these empty folders in the Program Files
folder
are in use by Windows XP or by other programs running in Windows XP?

Certain folders, user or not, are considered system folders and are not
deletable. It's simple enough to find out, just try. Besides, any folders
you delete would still be in the Recycle Bin until you empty it, so you can
always restore one if its removal is a problem.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Nightowl]

How can you check if these empty folders in the Program Files folder
are in use by Windows XP or by other programs running in Windows XP?

Hi Egan

Anytime you are not sure whether a file or folder is needed or not,
there is an easy way to find out; move or rename it.

You can move the file or folder to a new folder and leave it there for a
few days or a week, until you are sure no programs require it. Or, even
easier, rename it, perhaps by putting X in front of the name.

Hope this helps.

 

[Plato]

All temp files are safe to delete.

I know that you can delete files and folders that are in the C:\Windows\temp.
How about files and folders in the C:\Temp folder?

How do you know if the files and folders in the C:\Program Files are safe to
delete?
I notice that there are some folders in the C:\Program Files that are empty.
Do you think it is safe to delete these empty folders from the Program Files
folder? How can you check if these empty folders in the Program Files folder
are in use by Windows XP or by other programs running in Windows XP?

Please reply soon.

Thanks