As you install programs, download from the internet, delete files and folders, perform other computer tasks, a number of un-needed, obsolete and even harmful files will begin to accumulate in your Temp Directory, the recycle bin and other areas on your hard drive.
Over time, these files begin clog up the system, slowing down performance, and even causing system errors. Getting rid of these files frees up valuable system resources and help speed up your PC.
Empty Out your Windows Temp Directory
The Windows Temp directory contains many files from past installations, failed downloads, and suchlike. Cleaning it out can help to save vital space, as well as speeding up the PC.
- Click on your Start button and select the “My Computer” icon.
- Double-click on the hard drive icon. Next, double-click on the Windows folder and then the Temp folder.
- Click on View in the menu at the top of the window. In the drop down menu, select Details
- Click on View once again and then select Type. This will sort the files based on the particular type they are. The files with the .tmp extension are temporary files.
- Click on the files you want to delete, and then hit delete.
Delete Temporary Computer Files
You can use the Windows Search utility to locate temporary computer files and delete them.
- Click on your Start button and then click on the Searchicon.
- Click on the option to search All Files and Folders in the left hand pane.
- Type in: *.tmp into the Search text box labeled All or Part of the File Name
- Click on the Search button.
- The Windows Search Utility will now locate the temporary files on your PC and list them for you.
- Click on the files you want to delete and then hit Enter.
Delete Temporary Internet Files
Get rid of temporary Internet files by cleaning out your browser cache files. These are files such as web pages and images that are saved to your hard drive to facilitate and speed up browsing.
- Launch your Internet BrowserClick on Tools in the menu at the top of the Window. In the drop-down menuthat opens, click on Internet Options
- Select the General tab. In the Browsing History section click on the Deletebutton
- In the window that opens, click on the button labeled Delete Files…to clear out the browser cache.
Empty Out Your Recycle Bin
Open your recycle bin and peruse the files it contains. If there are files you would like to keep, highlight the file, right-click and select Restore.
Highlight and delete the files that you do not need. To completely empty out the Recycle Bin, simply right-click the recycle bin icon and select Empty Recycle Bin from the drop-down menu.
Following these best practices for clutter-free computing should help the user get more from their machine as well as being certain that there are no unnecessary files slowing down Windows.
