Low Memory Problem

[Guest]

I got a low memory message on my computer that told me I had less than 1GB of
memory left. I've tried everything from disk cleanup to defrag (which by the
way won't work because I don't have enough free space). I started checking my
folders to find out where the memory is and I found that 92GB is being stored
in the Temp folder inside the Windows folder. What is this? Shouldn't the
disk cleanup clear this? If I delete these files, will it kill my computer?
Help, please. I need the memory bad.

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Job no. 1: Remove the viruses and/or spyware from your computer.

P.S. You can safely delete the contents of ...\windows\temp after you
restart your computer. However, the viruses/spyware will fill it up again in
no time.

 

[John Tiesi]

A couple of other suggestions:
1) Clear your IE cache using Tools-Internet Options in Internet Explorer
2) Reduce the amount of disk space being used by System Restore. Right
click on My Computer ->Properties -> System Restore and move the slider to
the left. I keep mine at about 2%.

These two things will free up space on your HD.

 

[Ron Martell]

I got a low memory message on my computer that told me I had less than 1GB of
memory left. I've tried everything from disk cleanup to defrag (which by the
way won't work because I don't have enough free space). I started checking my
folders to find out where the memory is and I found that 92GB is being stored
in the Temp folder inside the Windows folder. What is this? Shouldn't the
disk cleanup clear this? If I delete these files, will it kill my computer?
Help, please. I need the memory bad.

#1: Your error message was obviously with respect to low disk space
(storage) and not low memory (RAM).

#2. Windows XP would not normally use the \Windows\Temp folder, so I
suspect that you may have some malfunctioning application or other
installed that is using this folder. Any Norton/Symantec products
installed? These are justifiably renowned for doing this type of
thing.

You could try deleting the files in the \Windows\Temp folder and see
what happens. But first check and see if there is any pattern to the
files that are in this folder. Look for things like similar file
names, large numbers of files with the same size, and so forth. That
may help to pinpoint the actual culprit.

"Genuine" temporary files (meaning ones created by Windows itself and
by properly programmed, well behaved applications) in Windows XP will
be found in the C:\Documents and Settings\[user name]\Local
Settings\Temp folder, and that is the one that will be emptied out by
Disk Cleanup.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Guest]

I got a low memory message on my computer that told me I had less than 1GB of
memory left. I've tried everything from disk cleanup to defrag (which by the
way won't work because I don't have enough free space). I started checking my
folders to find out where the memory is and I found that 92GB is being stored
in the Temp folder inside the Windows folder. What is this? Shouldn't the
disk cleanup clear this? If I delete these files, will it kill my computer?
Help, please. I need the memory bad.

#1: Your error message was obviously with respect to low disk space
(storage) and not low memory (RAM).

#2. Windows XP would not normally use the \Windows\Temp folder, so I
suspect that you may have some malfunctioning application or other
installed that is using this folder. Any Norton/Symantec products
installed? These are justifiably renowned for doing this type of
thing.

You could try deleting the files in the \Windows\Temp folder and see
what happens. But first check and see if there is any pattern to the
files that are in this folder. Look for things like similar file
names, large numbers of files with the same size, and so forth. That
may help to pinpoint the actual culprit.

"Genuine" temporary files (meaning ones created by Windows itself and
by properly programmed, well behaved applications) in Windows XP will
be found in the C:\Documents and Settings\[user name]\Local
Settings\Temp folder, and that is the one that will be emptied out by
Disk Cleanup.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Guest]

This and other replies in this thread are really helpful and reassuring -
thanks to all.

I was puzzled by consistent "low memory" messages about my C drive despite
increasing its (partition) size from 10Gb to 14 Gb, adding almost nothing and
then finding overnight that I was still getting the same messages.

I have discovered some 6.4Gb of stuff in the C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder, some
dating back to 2002 - I understand from your posts that I can safely delete
it all?

In terms of determining any patterns and possible culprit progammes - there
are many repeats of the following file or folder formats - can anyone help
identifying where these might have come from, and what I can do about them?

- folders called "mcu[number].tmp" e.g. mcu12.tmp, etc

- folders called "UPD[number].tmp" e.g. UPD55.tmp

- files called "Perflib_Perfdata_[number].dat" e.g. Perflib_Perfdata_388.dat

- files called "Acr[number and/or letter].tmp" e.g. Acr1A7.tmp, AcrD8.tmp, etc

- files called "sqlite_[number/letter combination]" e.g.
sqlite_TNAwGq25N0ancLE

There are a few other subfolders - Cookies, Hoistory etc - which I have
fewer qualms in deleting.

Thanks in advance for any help / suggestions.

I got a low memory message on my computer that told me I had less than 1GB of
memory left. I've tried everything from disk cleanup to defrag (which by the
way won't work because I don't have enough free space). I started checking my
folders to find out where the memory is and I found that 92GB is being stored
in the Temp folder inside the Windows folder. What is this? Shouldn't the
disk cleanup clear this? If I delete these files, will it kill my computer?
Help, please. I need the memory bad.

#1: Your error message was obviously with respect to low disk space
(storage) and not low memory (RAM).

#2. Windows XP would not normally use the \Windows\Temp folder, so I
suspect that you may have some malfunctioning application or other
installed that is using this folder. Any Norton/Symantec products
installed? These are justifiably renowned for doing this type of
thing.

You could try deleting the files in the \Windows\Temp folder and see
what happens. But first check and see if there is any pattern to the
files that are in this folder. Look for things like similar file
names, large numbers of files with the same size, and so forth. That
may help to pinpoint the actual culprit.

"Genuine" temporary files (meaning ones created by Windows itself and
by properly programmed, well behaved applications) in Windows XP will
be found in the C:\Documents and Settings\[user name]\Local
Settings\Temp folder, and that is the one that will be emptied out by
Disk Cleanup.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have discovered some 6.4Gb of stuff in the C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder,
some dating back to 2002 - I understand from your posts that I can
safely delete it all?

I'm coming into the thread late, but you can safely delete anything in that
folder. As a matter of fact, you should delete its entire contents every
week or so. Because it's safe to delete any temp files that aren't open and
in use by an application, and since Windows won't let you delete open files,
it's safe to (try to) delete them at any time. If any fail to delete because
they're open, they'll either be deleted automatically when the app using
them closes, or you'll get them the next time you delete manually.

In terms of determining any patterns and possible culprit progammes -
there are many repeats of the following file or folder formats - can
anyone help identifying where these might have come from, and what I
can do about them?

No need to identify "culprits." This is a normal situation. The temp folder
provides workspace for programs. Programs can create temporary files there
for their own temporary use. Each program should delete all its temporary
files when it closes, but for various reasons it doesn't always happen (for
example, if the program crashes, it never gets to do this). That's why it's
a good idea to periodically clean out anything left there.

 

[Gerry Cornell]

Stephen

Ken is right about deleting but you may need to be sure you do do you
not have other problems.

Researching mcu12.tmp suggests you have or did have McAfee. Also
references to Trojan Vundo were made. I am not sure whether this means
they were the remains of a Vundo attack or you are infected.
http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_127690.htm

Disk CleanUp is not so effective as cCleaner which I suggest you use.
http://www.ccleaner.com/ccdownload.asp
http://www.ccleaner.com/

With any cleaner you need to proceed with caution. To be safe you
should create a restore point before using cCleaner. cCleaner also
offers backup before removal.

When using cCleaner think twice before checking Autocomplete Form
History under Internet Explorer. You do get a warning but this one has
irritating consequences. You may need to restore your system's
recollection of passwords after use so keep a record off computer so
that they can easily be re-entered. Leave the Scan for Issues option
alone.

Are you getting unexplained CPU spikes i.e. the processor runs when
you are not expecting it?

Try the suggestions here for removing malware:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This and other replies in this thread are really helpful and
reassuring - thanks to all.

I was puzzled by consistent "low memory" messages about my C
drive despite increasing its (partition) size from 10Gb to 14 Gb,
adding almost nothing and then finding overnight that I was still
getting the same messages.

I have discovered some 6.4Gb of stuff in the C:\WINDOWS\TEMP
folder, some dating back to 2002 - I understand from your posts
that I can safely delete it all?

In terms of determining any patterns and possible culprit
progammes - there are many repeats of the following file or
folder formats - can anyone help identifying where these might
have come from, and what I can do about them?

- folders called "mcu[number].tmp" e.g. mcu12.tmp, etc

- folders called "UPD[number].tmp" e.g. UPD55.tmp

- files called "Perflib_Perfdata_[number].dat" e.g.
Perflib_Perfdata_388.dat

- files called "Acr[number and/or letter].tmp" e.g. Acr1A7.tmp,
AcrD8.tmp, etc

- files called "sqlite_[number/letter combination]" e.g.
sqlite_TNAwGq25N0ancLE

There are a few other subfolders - Cookies, Hoistory etc - which
I have
fewer qualms in deleting.

Thanks in advance for any help / suggestions.

I got a low memory message on my computer that told me I had
less than 1GB of memory left. I've tried everything from disk
cleanup to defrag (which by the way won't work because I don't
have enough free space). I started checking my folders to find
out where the memory is and I found that 92GB is being stored
in the Temp folder inside the Windows folder. What is this?
Shouldn't the disk cleanup clear this? If I delete these files,
will it kill my computer? Help, please. I need the memory bad.

#1: Your error message was obviously with respect to low disk
space (storage) and not low memory (RAM).

#2. Windows XP would not normally use the \Windows\Temp folder,
so I suspect that you may have some malfunctioning application
or other installed that is using this folder. Any
Norton/Symantec products installed? These are justifiably
renowned for doing this type of thing.

You could try deleting the files in the \Windows\Temp folder and
see what happens. But first check and see if there is any
pattern to the files that are in this folder. Look for things
like similar file names, large numbers of files with the same
size, and so forth. That may help to pinpoint the actual
culprit.

"Genuine" temporary files (meaning ones created by Windows
itself and by properly programmed, well behaved applications) in
Windows XP will be found in the C:\Documents and Settings\[user
name]\Local Settings\Temp folder, and that is the one that will
be emptied out by Disk Cleanup.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks to both Ken and Gerry for your helpful advice. I deleted the offending
files with no adverse effects, now have an extra 6 Gb of available space and
will look into the cleaner software you have suggested.

I am not aware of any further problems or trojan attacks - so maybe McAfee
did its job and these files were just the debris.

I did, however, note whilst hacking down my "TEMP" folder that the
C:\WINDOWS folder also contained a large number of sub-folders with names
apparently referring to Windows NT - e.g. "$NtUninstallKB883939$." They all
contain at least one sub-folder entitlted "spuninst" which in turn contains
further files called "spuninst.exe" and others.

Since I have never had Windows NT, do these refer to Service Packs? (I am
running XP Professional, version 2002, currently on Service Pack 2.) Are
these files necessary or can they be deleted? There are upwards of 100
folders, taking up 260 Mb in all.

Any further tips here please?

Thanks again in advance.

Stephen

Ken is right about deleting but you may need to be sure you do do you
not have other problems.

Researching mcu12.tmp suggests you have or did have McAfee. Also
references to Trojan Vundo were made. I am not sure whether this means
they were the remains of a Vundo attack or you are infected.
http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_127690.htm

Disk CleanUp is not so effective as cCleaner which I suggest you use.
http://www.ccleaner.com/ccdownload.asp
http://www.ccleaner.com/

With any cleaner you need to proceed with caution. To be safe you
should create a restore point before using cCleaner. cCleaner also
offers backup before removal.

When using cCleaner think twice before checking Autocomplete Form
History under Internet Explorer. You do get a warning but this one has
irritating consequences. You may need to restore your system's
recollection of passwords after use so keep a record off computer so
that they can easily be re-entered. Leave the Scan for Issues option
alone.

Are you getting unexplained CPU spikes i.e. the processor runs when
you are not expecting it?

Try the suggestions here for removing malware:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This and other replies in this thread are really helpful and
reassuring - thanks to all.

I was puzzled by consistent "low memory" messages about my C
drive despite increasing its (partition) size from 10Gb to 14 Gb,
adding almost nothing and then finding overnight that I was still
getting the same messages.

I have discovered some 6.4Gb of stuff in the C:\WINDOWS\TEMP
folder, some dating back to 2002 - I understand from your posts
that I can safely delete it all?

In terms of determining any patterns and possible culprit
progammes - there are many repeats of the following file or
folder formats - can anyone help identifying where these might
have come from, and what I can do about them?

- folders called "mcu[number].tmp" e.g. mcu12.tmp, etc

- folders called "UPD[number].tmp" e.g. UPD55.tmp

- files called "Perflib_Perfdata_[number].dat" e.g.
Perflib_Perfdata_388.dat

- files called "Acr[number and/or letter].tmp" e.g. Acr1A7.tmp,
AcrD8.tmp, etc

- files called "sqlite_[number/letter combination]" e.g.
sqlite_TNAwGq25N0ancLE

There are a few other subfolders - Cookies, Hoistory etc - which
I have
fewer qualms in deleting.

Thanks in advance for any help / suggestions.

I got a low memory message on my computer that told me I had
less than 1GB of memory left. I've tried everything from disk
cleanup to defrag (which by the way won't work because I don't
have enough free space). I started checking my folders to find
out where the memory is and I found that 92GB is being stored
in the Temp folder inside the Windows folder. What is this?
Shouldn't the disk cleanup clear this? If I delete these files,
will it kill my computer? Help, please. I need the memory bad.

#1: Your error message was obviously with respect to low disk
space (storage) and not low memory (RAM).

#2. Windows XP would not normally use the \Windows\Temp folder,
so I suspect that you may have some malfunctioning application
or other installed that is using this folder. Any
Norton/Symantec products installed? These are justifiably
renowned for doing this type of thing.

You could try deleting the files in the \Windows\Temp folder and
see what happens. But first check and see if there is any
pattern to the files that are in this folder. Look for things
like similar file names, large numbers of files with the same
size, and so forth. That may help to pinpoint the actual
culprit.

"Genuine" temporary files (meaning ones created by Windows
itself and by properly programmed, well behaved applications) in
Windows XP will be found in the C:\Documents and Settings\[user
name]\Local Settings\Temp folder, and that is the one that will
be emptied out by Disk Cleanup.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Gerry Cornell]

Stephen

Those folders are created every time you download an update for
Windows XP. The KB number identifies the specific update. They are
created to enable an update to be reversed if it creates problems.
Some say you can delete them if you are sure you are not going to want
them having let them be for a month or so. Another option if your hard
drive is formatted as NTFS is file compression. My standard blurb
follows in the next paragraph.

In the Windows Directory of your C partition you will have some
Uninstall folders in your Windows folder typically:
$NtServicePackUninstall$ and $NtUninstallKB282010$ etc. These files
may be compressed or not compressed. If compressed the text of the
folder name appears in blue characters. If not compressed you can
compress them. Right click on each folder and select Properties,
General, Advanced and check the box before Compress contents to save
Disk Space. On the General Tab you can see the amount gained by
deducting the size on disk from the size. Folder compression is only
an option on a NTFS formatted drive / partition.

Earlier this evening I read a review of anti-virus software and
neither McAfee or Norton got a good review, notwithstanding these are
the market leaders. Kapersky Lab and Steganos got the best reviews
with AVG 7.5 getting a special mention being a Freeware product, which
beats other products customers have to pay for. McAfee was slated for
below-average detection and poor value. McAfee was notably poor on
web-based threat detection, where the average score was 32% and McAfee
scored 16%!

Windows XP is largely based on Windows NT and much terminology has
carried over from the earlier Windows version.

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~