Temp files, OK to remove?

[willshak]

Windows XP Home SP2

Under C:\Documents and Setting\{User name}\Local Settings\Temp\ , there
is a ton of subfolders and files adding up to about 310 MB.
Are these files important? Can I get rid of them?

If it matters, I have Windows Explorer to show hidden files and folders.

What about the Default user files? I'm the only one using this computer,
so I'm the Default user in addition to being the Administrator.

 

[McFly]

willshak,

The contents of the folder C:\Documents and Setting\{User name}\Local
Settings\Temp\ are safe to delete...

-fly-

 

[John John]

The temp files are safe to delete. *Do* *not* delete the Default User
files! These are the files that are used when you create new users.
Even if you don't plan on adding new users you will still need the files
if your profile should become corrupt as you may need to create a new
user to repair or replace your profile.

John

 

[Rock]

Windows XP Home SP2

Under \ , there is a ton of subfolders and files adding up to about 310
MB.
Are these files important? Can I get rid of them?

If it matters, I have Windows Explorer to show hidden files and folders.

What about the Default user files? I'm the only one using this computer,
so I'm the Default user in addition to being the Administrator.

All files in the two temp folders can and should be routinely deleted. Do
it after performing a restart. Any installs that are pending will then be
completed, at which time it's safe to delete the remaining contents. Note:
any files in use will not allow themselves to be deleted.

C:\Documents and Setting\<User name>\Local Settings\Temp
C:\Windows\Temp

See the "Taking out the Trash" section here:
http://www.aumha.org/a/health.php#tip6

Do not delete either the All Users, Default User, or Administrator folders.
These are system folders.

 

[willshak]

All files in the two temp folders can and should be routinely deleted.
Do it after performing a restart. Any installs that are pending will
then be completed, at which time it's safe to delete the remaining
contents. Note: any files in use will not allow themselves to be deleted.

C:\Documents and Setting\<User name>\Local Settings\Temp
C:\Windows\Temp

See the "Taking out the Trash" section here:
http://www.aumha.org/a/health.php#tip6

Do not delete either the All Users, Default User, or Administrator
folders. These are system folders.

Thanks, Rock.
I downloaded and used the Killbox utility there and it worked.
Thanks to the others who responded.

 

[Rock]

You're welcome, glad I could help.

 

[John]

Yes, unless you are in the middle of installing new software, it is safe
(and wise) to remove temporary files. It is also good to clean out your
temporary internet files and cookies. If you right click the Start button
and choose 'Properties' then 'Customize' then 'Clear' it removes temporary
internet files and other history of what you have been doing on your
computer.

Another way to remove temp internet files is to go to the Control panel
(left click Start button > Settings > Control Panel > Internet options) and
delete them from there. In my opinion this should be done at least every day
because of the possibility of malware and viruses being connected with
temporary files.

But don't delete your default User files or you may loose some of your
settings.