Are there any files on my computer which I can safely delete to save disk space?
I have a lot of .tmp files. What are these files, why are they created and can I delete them?
I also have files with names such as ~$ument.doc What are these? Is there any way a computer can tell you which files can be deleted?
Which files can I delete?
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FlyingPenguin
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If you're not computer savvy and wan to play safe. always use the Disk Cleanup tool (Accessories->System Tools->Disk Cleanup). You can delete everything except the Temp Internet files (this is you internet cache - if you delete it you'll have to wait for commonly visited pages to reload).
I'd also recommend making your Recycling bin size smaller (by default Windows makes it HUGE). Most people don't need more than 1 or 2% on a big modern drive.
In Internet Explorer settings, I would also recommend reducing the size of the IE Cache. Windows always makes this huge and you really don't need more than a 100Mb IE cache. If you're not using IE6 I'd make the cache 49MB - there's a lot of evidence that shows that IE 5 and 5.5 do strange things if the cache is set over 50Mb.
If you don't mind tinkering, it's a known fact that Disk Cleanup never competely empties your Temp folder. I prefer to do it manually. First you need to make it visible (it's a hidden system folder).
In My computer go to Tools->Folder Options->View and check "Show hidden files and folders" and also uncheck "Hide operating system files".
Now browse your Win2K drive and go to the "Documents and Settings" folder. Open the folder with the name you're logged in under (in Win2K you're usually logged on as Administrator by default, but it might also be your name). In that folder will be a temp folder and if it's the correct folder then it should be full of crap. Delete everything in there (you usually want to do this right after a reboot since none of those files will be in use if no apps have been running - if you do it after running some apps, Windows may not allow some files to be deleted).
HINT: Make a shortcut to this folder. When you restore the View Options, which you should for safety (hide hidden folders, files and system files) the shortcut will still take you to the temp folder even though it's hidden.
I'd also recommend making your Recycling bin size smaller (by default Windows makes it HUGE). Most people don't need more than 1 or 2% on a big modern drive.
In Internet Explorer settings, I would also recommend reducing the size of the IE Cache. Windows always makes this huge and you really don't need more than a 100Mb IE cache. If you're not using IE6 I'd make the cache 49MB - there's a lot of evidence that shows that IE 5 and 5.5 do strange things if the cache is set over 50Mb.
If you don't mind tinkering, it's a known fact that Disk Cleanup never competely empties your Temp folder. I prefer to do it manually. First you need to make it visible (it's a hidden system folder).
In My computer go to Tools->Folder Options->View and check "Show hidden files and folders" and also uncheck "Hide operating system files".
Now browse your Win2K drive and go to the "Documents and Settings" folder. Open the folder with the name you're logged in under (in Win2K you're usually logged on as Administrator by default, but it might also be your name). In that folder will be a temp folder and if it's the correct folder then it should be full of crap. Delete everything in there (you usually want to do this right after a reboot since none of those files will be in use if no apps have been running - if you do it after running some apps, Windows may not allow some files to be deleted).
HINT: Make a shortcut to this folder. When you restore the View Options, which you should for safety (hide hidden folders, files and system files) the shortcut will still take you to the temp folder even though it's hidden.
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“The Government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket.” - Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez
“The Government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket.” - Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez