How To Clear Windows Temporary Files

Windows XP stores temporary files to track things it needs to "remember" for short term use in a few different temporary folders. This helps different applications have some blank space to work with when needed. Even though the files in these folders are only used once or twice, they remain on the system. The drawback is the amount of temporary files accumulate over time and can waste precious hard drive space.

Here are step-by-step instructions for how to clear Windows temporary files:

1. Click "Start"
2. Click "Run"
3. Where it says "Open:" type the following command: %tmp%
4. Click "OK"
5. When the "Temp" folder opens showing all of your temp files, hold down Ctrl+A on the keyboard to select all files. Hit the "Delete" button on the keyboard OR drag all of the files to the Recycle Bin. Wait patiently for the everything to delete. When it is finished, there may be a warning message telling you that some of the files are still in use. That is fine, just click "OK".
6. It may be a good idea clear the Recycle Bin, especially if a large number of temporary files was removed.

That does not delete all of the temporary files, but it will help clear some space quickly and will also remove any personal data which was stored for a slight boost of security. For more thorough cleaning, read Using EasyCleaner To Delete Excess Files, Registry Entires and Browswer History.