What is a Temp File

[Ted Harris]

I have files like: Temp(with about 17 digits following) These are in various places in my file system and they can take up some space. I have searched however I cannot find any help in identifying what they are and when and how can I delete them. I can’t identify them as being temporary internet files.
Please add to my education.

 

[denis280]

Windows temporary files are usually leftovers from previous installations of various applications or documents once needed by Windows to run certain task.
(Install Ccleaner. it will do the job.

 

[Ted Harris]

Thanks. I have run CCleaner for years and consider it to be the best bargain on the internet. However I was afraid that i would mess something up if I got rid of them.

 

[Ted Harris]

denis280 I have checked the box under temp files in system, however CCleaner runs but I still have those Tempxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx files. What am I doing dumb?

 

[denis280]

To view temp file. open run box. Type in %temp% and you are going to see the list of your files that can be deleted Simply select them all and press delete key.

Sometimes you are not going to be able to delete a file or two which may be locked due to being in use by Windows Explorer. Do not bother about it just skip that one.

 

[Ted Harris]

I hope that I don't wear out my welcome here. I did as you directed and there were about 4 Temp files there and I deleted them however the two Temp files in question (Temp12345678900987654) were still there. I hope that you can bear with me just a little longer on this.

 

[oynaz]

Try running the Windows Cleanup tool and see if that gets rid of them.

 

[denis280]

if the (Temp12345678900987654) are still there. it means they are in use.

 

[sm625]

What folder are they in? You can delete anything in *\Local Settings\Temp

Likewise for any Users\*\Temp folder. Basically you can delete anything in any temp folder. As long as you are not running anything at the moment, and as long as you have not created a user account with the name Temp. (Who knows if that is even possible anymore lol)