Safe to delete all .tmp files?

[Jim]

The WinXP Disk Cleanup utility is supposed to get rid of .tmp files, so long
as that box is checked... which it is. However, even after running Disk
Cleanup, I do a Search for *.tmp and a plethora of files pops up on the list.

I heard somewhere that any .tmp file is only that, temporary, and can be
deleted with relative impunity. But I also notice that when I attempt this,
some .tmp files come with a Delete warning that they are System Files and...
(etc.). I have deleted them anyway and, as far as I know, haven't suffered,
but I do wonder to what extent all these are really 'temporary,' and which
should be left untouched.

All tips very much appreciated... thanks!

 

[DL]

Anything in the tmp folder can be deleted, but some may be use when you try,
this is normal
You can also from the run prompt enter; %temp%

 

[PD43]

The WinXP Disk Cleanup utility is supposed to get rid of .tmp files, so long
as that box is checked... which it is. However, even after running Disk
Cleanup, I do a Search for *.tmp and a plethora of files pops up on the list.

Go ahead and delete them.

SOME of them (they will have very recent dates) will still be in use
and you will not be able to delete them.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Disk Cleanup will not delete TMP files created within the last 48 hours, by
default.

Windows will not let you delete anything (e.g., TMP files) manually that
might be needed during the current boot.