Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files

Subject: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 01:35 PM

I have been pretty good about going into My Computer > C drive >Windows > Temp Internet Files and deleting them, as well as going into the Cookies and getting rid of them (except for those two pesky read-only ones I wrote about a couple of weeks ago.)

However, there is also a Windows/TEMP which has 177 files in it and I'd like to know if it is safe to delete them, too. I've got WIN95. Most of the files end in .dfa; .dfc .dfe; .emf; .mdv; and, .PD. There are also a few .exe from program installs. Am I right in assuming I can delete the exe's as I've already installed their programs?

I looked around on google and came up with this page of instructions, but they are from 1998 and I would really appreciate your take on them, as I trust you guys a lot more than someone in a random net search!

Thanks a bunch,

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: MMario
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 01:43 PM

if it is in a temp directory - and you did not put it there deliberatly for some reason - you should be able to delete it without effecting anything on your computer. (I do this routinely )

the files windows is ACTIVELY using will not allow you to delete them.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 02:24 PM

So I can leave all programs running that are usually on whiel I do it and it won't let me delete anything to do with them? Can you tell I am paranoid about deleting something vital?*bg*

Thanks, Mmario!

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Ed.
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 02:25 PM

I don't recognise most of the file extensions you mention, but I can't see any problems in deleting them.

If you are worried, why not move the folder somewhere else, and see if everything still works after a reboot? If it does, you can be pretty sure deleting them will be OK.

Yes, you can quite safely delete the .exe files used for install once the install is complete.

Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 02:42 PM

Go to http://annoyances.org/ and look up your OS.. they'll have a ton of good info for ya...

Like this

:-)

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 02:43 PM

Yes, it does! Thansk a bunch, both a'youse.:-)

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 02:55 PM

HeyaClinton, we cross-posted. Thanks for that. Looks liek I am safe, I hope. I'll double check, though. for now, it is all in my recycling bin and I won't empty that until I am sure of things. Thanks a bunch you guys.

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 02:57 PM

Sorry, forgot to reset my cookie...

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 02:58 PM

The accumulated temp files should be deleted if you use the built-in cleanup START-PROGRAMS-ACCESSORIES-SYSTEM TOOLS-DISK CLEANUP.

It's a lot quicker and easier than poking around trying to find all the stuff one piece at a time, and usually gets at least the major stuff. Very rarely, you'll get a temp file that "goes dormant" and doesn't clean up, and Disk Cleanup sometimes thinks a file is more important than you would if you made the choice yourself; but for the most part it keeps the trash to a minimum.

If Windows is running, it won't let you delete anything that's "in use." By definition, if Windows isn't running, nothing in the temp file category should be in use; so even if you "Boot DOS" you should be able to delete anything that says it's a temp - but in a DOS boot mode you do not have the full built in bodyguard to protect you. The risk remains very small, if you know they're really temps.

Note that with Windows open, in the Command (DOS) Window, you do have Windows to keep you out of trouble (sounds like a non-sequitor, doesn't it?); so you can use DOS file management methods safely there if you want to.

Anything that "runs" as a temp file should have a .tmp extension, and normally starts with a ~ in the filename, so those are easy. Stuff that shows up in the Temporary Internet Files can be anything that's on the web, so the strange extensions shouldn't be a concern. If they're in the Temp folder, they should be temps.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:12 PM

Thanks, very much, John, that is reassuring AND helpful.

BTW, I don't have anything called DISK CLEANUP, though.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:24 PM

One more question? Why do I have/need WINDOWS/TEMP/TEMPORARY FIES? Couldd't I just get rid to the "temporary files" and leave it at that?

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:43 PM

Hi, Kat - maybe we should have asked first what operating system you have. Windows XP has Disk Cleanup, which is a very nice utility. I don't remember if it's on win 98. My Win 98 temp files soften caused my computer to hang on shutdown, so I deleted temp files often. I created a desktop shortcut to the Win/temp folder, and that made it very easy to delete those files on a regular basis.
The temp files can be anything - tunes you run on DigiTrad, previous versions of Word files, working backups that run while a program is running. Generally, they're not harmful thing, but they do take up space. They should ordinarily be deleted on normal shutdown of programs or of Windows, but that doesn't always happen.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:51 PM

Kat -

I dug out my old laptop that hadn't been used for several decades just to check Win95. Disk Cleanup is a standard utility in Windows since at least Win98SR1, and it is on my Win95 installation. It's remotely possible that it was a "Plus Pack" utility in Win95, but I don't think so.

It may have gotten deleted out of your start folder - or may not have been installed on your machine if you did a "bare minimum" install.

The actual file that does it is named "cleanmgr.exe" and it should be in C:\Windows\Start\Programs\Accessories\System Tools on Win95 default setup - if it's on your machine. You may have to "show hidden" and "show system" files to find it with Win Explorer, although it's not hidden or system tagged in later Win versions.

If you can find the file, the simplest would be to right click and create a shortcut, then drag it onto the desktop and/or into the Windows/Start.../System Tools folder.

If the file isn't there, you can look at your install disks (assuming you have your install disk(s)) for it. If it's there, you can go to control panel and "refresh" the Win95 setup to add it - well worth the effort.

If there's anyone else still using Win95, maybe they can tell us (for sure) if it's a not "standard" utility? I've been using disk cleanup since Win3.11 days, but can't be sure it wasn't an "extra" on the ancient versions, since some of the earlier ones did need a little help.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 04:00 PM

Kat -

The Windows\...\Temporary Internet Files is the place where your browser stores all those .gif's & other junk needed to make your browsing beautiful. Other "sub" Temp... folders may show up because that's what the system was told to call them.

Especially if you're still using Win95, you probably don't have enough memory and other system resources to hold the "whole page" without putting part of it into a temp location. (The only good excuse for still using Win95 :-)) Once the page is downloaded, your computer reads the page from the Temp Internet folder files while you scroll around in it. You NEED the folders, because the system has been programmed to look in those specific folder names. You don't need the files once you're done looking at the page(s).

You should have your browser set up to delete Temp Int Files when you close the browser - but of course, if you're on a hard-wired hookup, that may not happen too often. The "cleanup" functions in most browsers is also pretty puny compared to Disk Cleanup - and often leaves a lot of trash behind.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 04:00 PM

98 has disk cleanup. Start-Programs-Accessories-System tools-Disk cleanup. Left button gives you Select drive dialog box. C generally shows, which is the one you want. Press OK. The disk Cleanup dialog box appears. I have temp internet files, downloaded program and recycle checked. Click OK and off they go. My Temp files is generally a small amount, so don't bother with that.

I have disk cleanup, defrag and detect and repair disk errors scheduled for automatic operation on a selected day once a week, after midnight (leaving computer on).

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 04:12 PM

A good little book for dubs like me (I'm sure there is an XP update).
"Windows 98 Visual Pocket Guide," IDG Books from maranGraphics. Everything in pictures, 1-2-3 --- picture instructions. Beats hell out of the "Dummies" type books.
Web site- www.maran.com. Many other books.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 05:19 PM

Thanks, guys. I did say, way back up there that I was using the oh-so-ancient WIN95, which John noted.:-)

Yes, John, I do have my original start-up disks.

I even have access to WIN98 disks. I haven't installed it because I cannot fathom the time it would take to back up all of my files on disk before I do so. I am waiting to get a CD burner so it won't be so tedious and time-consuming.

Which reminds me, I saw a thing in this weekend's paper about a device for $199.00 called Maxtor's 500LE Personal Storage System. It's supposed to copy all of your "recently changed files to an 80GB hard drive." It's supposed to be easy to install and operate with a touch of the button. The only catch I can see is that phrase "recently changed." A lot of my files are there for infrequent access, so presumably this thing would not save them as I probably wouldn't have changed anything in them for a long while. Anyone familiar with this product?

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Ed.
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 06:36 PM

Kat,

I'm half way into bed, but as a final comment, given your current system, DO NOT BUY the Maxtor's 500LE Personal Storage System.. You could get something better and more suited to your needs for half or a quarter of that price.

I'd explain more but it's bedtime. I'll only have 6 hours sleep as it is.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 06:46 PM

When I'm worried whether it might matter if I get rid of something, I just drag it into the Recycle Bin and see if makes any difference.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 06:59 PM

Okay, Ed. I won't. No rush as I wasn't planning to, anyway. Thanks, very much!

Thanks, Kevin that seems a good idea!

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 07:10 PM

Ok every expert has been and gone so here's my 10 cents.

Reboot with the Win95 Boot Disk, press F5 as it tries to load DOS.

Then type

C:      
cd \
cd windows
deltree/y cookies
deltree/y history
deltree/y temp
deltree/y tempor~1

Pressing the enter key after each command

Easier still -RIGHT NOW- copy the lines between 'type' and 'Pressing' to a txt doc and name it xxx.bat

save that to the C: disk drive

later when you reboot with yer rescue floppy
and pressing F5

type
c:\xxx
press enter

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 07:17 PM

The (default at least with 95/98) directories, C:\Windows\Temp and C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files serve different purposes.

As far as I know.

"Temp" is as MMario suggested.

"Temporary Internet Files". Is the chache for Internet Exporer and nothing more. It holds cookies and files such as gifs and html pages to allow them to be read without downloading again a) in an attempt to speed things up and b) to enable viewing pages while working off line.

Windows does use disk space for virtual memory in situations where the systems memory is insuffient but that at least used to be a file called c:\windows\win386.swp.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 07:26 PM

Thanks for the clarification, Jon.

sorefingers, too late, I've already done the deed and so far everything seems to be working just fine.:-)

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:54 PM

Here's a trick someone taught us many years ago. If you're in doubt about whether you can safely delete any file, rename it by putting an x in front of it's present name. For example, rename temp and call it xtemp. If nothing changes on your computer, you can delete it safely.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 12:17 AM

This was an old thread from two weeks ago.

Why was it "resurected" with today's dates?

Sincerely, Gargoyle

Is mudcat so desperate for extended threads that it must repackage old piss in new bottles?

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Watson
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:46 AM

I regularly use Start -> Find -> Files or Folders, look for
*.bak,*.old,*.log,*.tmp,*.gid,*.chk
and delete all the files that appear. Again, Windows won't allow you to delete anything that's actually in use.
Don't forget that eventually you have to empty the recycle bin, otherwise the deleted files are still occupying disk space.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:57 AM

Gargoyle -

The earlier thread did have a slightly different problem, and a new one about the separate-but-related question doesn't seem too inappropriate. It's a judgement call, but resurrecting the old thread would probably have gotten a lot of inapplicable crap about the original question - from the people who only read the first (or last) post and then jump in with their "help."

A suggestion, for Kat and others, on backup. A CD burner is almost an essential, but another option now is an External USB Hard Drive. I suspect that most people using Win95/Win98 are likely to have only about 20 - 40 GB internal drives, and good externals with around 80 - 90 GB start at around $100 US. I've got 2 120GB Western Digitals that were $250 each, but smaller ones (and some lesser brands) are cheaper.

Hook up and copy your backup, then just hook it up again after you've made changes - or hook it to another machine - and copy back. I normall use mine hooked to my desktop machine, but unplug and carry one with my laptop instead of trying to fit stuff off the desktop onto the laptop's 40GB (slow) drive. Pull the plug and go.

After you've made the fix, it's a good place to keep all that "extra" stuff that's eating up space on the main hard drive - and Windows does need lots of clear space for all those temps.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 09:24 AM

I am always paranoid about deleting files I am unsure of. Having said that I usually treat temp directories as fair game, and never regretted deleting anything that will delete in those directories.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: IvanB
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 11:24 AM

If you have any of the major computer chains in your area, they're always offering CD burners and hard disks with ridiculously low prices "after rebate." The downside, of course is that you have to have the cash or credit to pay the full price up front and wait 8 weeks for the rebate check. But looking in the ads our paper had last Sunday, I see a CD burner for $19 after rebate (Norcent brand, which I don't recognize, 52x24x52, $69.99 up front cost). As for Hard drives, there's a 40gB Maxtor for $89.99 up front with a $40 rebate, a 120 gB Maxtor for $159.99 with $50 in rebates on up to a 250 gB Western Digital for $329.99 and a $100 rebate. These prices came from Best Buy and Comp USA circulars. Even if you're in the boonies, all the major chains have internet sales sites, and bestbuy.com is even offering free shipping right now (I don't remember exactly what's eligible).

Now, if you could find a knowledeable clerk in any of these places, THAT would be priceless! But if you know what you're doing, just about everything you need will be on sale at some point.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 01:12 PM

Rog will know, Ivan, thanks! I hadn't realised they'd come down so much in price, even without the rebates.

As for the seeming duplication, I am guilty of not having seen the previous thread and also guilty of not doing a search to see if this had been addressed before, so my apologies to any and all of you who have been helpful for any redundancy. As for you dear GoyleGarg...you're blowing love-smoke again and it will get you nowhere.

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 03:14 PM

IvanB -

The big problem with those low "after rebate" prices is that you are very likely to find "additional conditions" inside the box that will prevent you from collecting the rebate. CompUSA, who are the only guys in my town, are a MAJOR offendor in advertising "uncollectable" rebates, usually because you don't find out until you open the box that you have to buy something else in order to get the advertised rebate.

Rebate pricing is based on the seller's assumption that all buyers are idiots - and they're often right. Trade associations typically report that less than 15 or 20 percent of all "rebates" are ever paid.

This doesn't mean that you can't sometimes get them. You do need to be sure you have fully checked out all of the additional requirements before you base your purchase on an assumption that you'll get something back.

My last half-dozen "significant" (over $50) software purchases at CompUSA all had "rebate" offers advertised, but none of them were anything I could "collect" on, due to requirements for additional purchases of junk I didn't need or want. Needless to say, I did not base my purchases on the "rebated price," so it was not nasty a surprise when I got the stuff home.

And they don't refund the sales tax on the "full price before rebate."

John

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: IvanB
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 04:19 PM

John, well said. However, I've bought a lot of computer stuff that had rebates advertised in the past couple years and haven't failed to collect on any of them. And, I've noticed Comp USA is listing the additional purchase requirements in their ads lately, so maybe someone like the FTC or some state's AG caught up with them on their practice. But you DO have to look very closely at the rebate requirements, even if no other purchase is required, just to make sure you don't miss some esoteric little point.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Ed.
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 04:41 PM

I was going to start a BS thread asking about 'rebate pricing' because I'd never heard of it before.

As the thread has drifted towards it, I'll ask my questions here.

I've never come across it in the UK. Is it a recent marketing ploy in the US? Is it common? Is it confined to particular types of goods?

Basically, I'd be interested in finding out more about this (to me) curious practise.

Ed

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: MMario
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 04:42 PM

way too common - you will find it on just about any type of product - aND IT GOES BACK AT LEAST 3 DECADES

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:02 PM

I've had pretty good luck with CompUSA rebates, but you do have to be careful. I keep records of all the rebates I request, and I get my money on almost all of them.
It's a danm hassle, but you can get the money if you try. What I hate most are the tax packages - I think I had 7 rebates to get all my money back on stuff that came with Tax Cut last year.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:45 PM

Ed, basically a company agrees to pay you back part of your purchase price IF you send in your receipt with all requisite coupons filled out properly, etc. as John has indicated. It's a good way of getting people to come in and buy, then most, imo, forget about the rebate, deeming it too much of a hassle to bother with, which the companies count on, I am sure.

We used to do quite a bit with Office Max because they were the only gmae in town and I did receive back a good amount, but they have a nice set-up, a flyer which lists all rebates available and has all of the papers, etc. attached, PLUS they print an extra receipt for you to send in.

Of course, that's on small items. There are also rebates offered on cars, but I think they expect people to apply it towards a downpayment. Not sure about that, though.

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: IvanB
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 06:03 PM

Ed, as MMario says, they go back at least three decades. A more recent phenomenon (last 5-6 years, I'd say) is that products are listed in ads at prices which reflect the rebate, then in small print is listed the "up front" price and the rebate amount. I had just one Comp USA claim rejected, on the basis I'd neglected to send the UPC label. But, since I'd double stapled it directly to the rebate request form, I found it hard to believe they'd know about my request without also having the UPC. Just one phone call with a little bit of hollering got the rebate out of them.

As kat says, Office Max is pretty good, as is Best Buy. Both of these places print out the rebate request form(s) as well as as many extra receipts as are needed to send with the forms.

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: Ed.
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 06:21 PM

Thanks a lot.

This is interesting to me because it's not a marketing strategy that (as far as I'm aware) has ever been used here in England.

I find the whole thing quite fascinating!

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 06:33 PM

It's mostly just smoke and mirrors....behind the curtain...:-)

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 10:37 PM

I owe you all an apology, including gargoyle whose love-smoke must've clouded my memory. I had forgotten about the previous thread about the read-only temp files I couldn't delete; still haven't been able to. Anyway, still two different matters altogether.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: stupid question re deleting temp files
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 07:37 AM

Ed, I've not heard of it either. If this system has been working for thirty years in the US, I find it impossible to imagine that it hasn't been discussed by marketing people over here.

Perhaps the practice is illegal in the UK? Personally, especially in view of John in "K"'s comments, I hope it is.