I routinely utilize the disc cleanup feature (windows xp sp2). Yesterday, it indicated I had something like 500,000 old files. Today it's 900,000, and I only used the computer to listen to Live365 (on-line radio), surfed some automotive websites, and post a thread here. Any way to rid these old files? Thanks.
disc cleanup & compressed files
- Thread starter jl1
- Start date
The usual freeware recommended for cleaning up trash and getting rid of any useless entries in the system registry is called CCleaner. You can download that free of charge and look over the information on it at http://www.ccleaner.com/ Just be careful it doesn't remove any files you intend to keep. If you store files in separate folders outside of MyDocuments and the usual MS directories it can see them as trash.
OK - I downloaded and ran cc cleaner. It cleaned out a boatload of files and junk. But when I ran disc cleanup again, it still shows about 898,000 old files. I guess I should disable the restore. Can you give me a hand as to how? Much appreciated.
Another thing: in the cccleaner, I did not make any changes in the advanced area. I see that I have almost 500 mb in hotfix uninstallers in this area. Is it ok to dump these?
Another thing: in the cccleaner, I did not make any changes in the advanced area. I see that I have almost 500 mb in hotfix uninstallers in this area. Is it ok to dump these?
Last edited:
For the most part those are pretty much useless clutter since most programs, sharewares as well as freewares, and updates can easily be removed by one of two methods. Many programs have an uninstall link right under the startup link in the programs menu. The add/remove in the control panel is the usual preferred tool there.
There are some that make the exception and do need the uninstaller made specifically for them. Drivers for your video card and sound as well will often have a specific driver remover for use when going to update those or remove that particular model. The manual method of unloading the running processes, removing a program from the startup group, and editing the system registry to remove entries there can be quite overbearing for the less experienced user.
There are some that make the exception and do need the uninstaller made specifically for them. Drivers for your video card and sound as well will often have a specific driver remover for use when going to update those or remove that particular model. The manual method of unloading the running processes, removing a program from the startup group, and editing the system registry to remove entries there can be quite overbearing for the less experienced user.