How do I clear out the temporary files directory?

[John]

I'm used to doing this in Windows XP where the folder location is
"C:\documents and settings\username\local settings\temp".

On my Dell laptop which has Vista Home SP2, It *appears* that the
location may be "C:\users\username\local settings\??" but "local
settings" is a link rather than a subdirectory, and when I try to expand
it I get "C:\users\username\local settings is not accesible. Access is
denied".

I'm logged in as administrator, and I have set folder options->view to
"show hidden files and folders" and to not "hide protected operating
system files".

I get the same error when I try to expand "C:\users\username\start
menu". What do I need to do to be able to navigate these links and view
and edit the folder contents? Thanks!

John

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I'm used to doing this in Windows XP where the folder location is
"C:\documents and settings\username\local settings\temp".

In IE, Tools > General Tab > Browsing History > Delete.

Alternatively, you could use CCleaner to clean out even more temporary
files.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[John]

In IE, Tools > General Tab > Browsing History > Delete.

Nope. I wasn't looking for temporary INTERNET files. I was looking for
the temp directory where left=over junk collects after program
installations. Thanks for the tip anyway.

 

[rak]

Personally I use CCleaner. Free and you can choose what to clean up.

 

[Gene E. Bloch]

Here's what (e-mail address removed) wrote on 8/20/09:

Nope. I wasn't looking for temporary INTERNET files. I was looking for
the temp directory where left=over junk collects after program
installations. Thanks for the tip anyway.

START-type %TEMP-ENTER
select all- hit delete.
And ignore those it won't delete.[/QUOTE]

Better to type %temp% - the case doesn't matter, but the second percent
sign does. I have a program with 'temp' in its name (Template
something), and that's what %temp finds...

 

[Gene E. Bloch]

Here's what (e-mail address removed) wrote on 8/20/09:

You are right. My keyboard has reached it's useful end. I'm dropping A's,
S's, E's, R's, and others on a regular basis. But a 2nd percent sign isn't
something my spell checker can find.

Interesting. I type %TEMP ENTER and I get this
http://www.10minuteflash.com/
but it's a dead 404.

I haven't figured out all the logic behind what shows up when I enter
stuff in the start search box, assuming there's logic

I get a lot of missing characters and double characters regardless of
which keyboard or computer I use, so I know who to blame for that ;-)

And I try to remember to read the results after the spell checker is
finished (like "bare with me hear" vs "bear with me here").