Computer help forum: Deleting temp and "unnecessary" files from hard drive

Thanks very much. Since it's not Spring outside here (Chicago), I'm pretending it is inside and am doing a little computer cleaning.

As for the free hard drive (or file) cleaner, can you recommend one?

-floyd

you are in the habit of using any of that format when saving files yourself.

Assuming you do not name files you save in those formats, the quickest and easiest way to remove them is from the command line or via a batch file.

If you copy EVERYTHING in bolded print between the lines of asterisks (but not those lines) and save it as a notepad file named del_temp.bat this file can be doubleclicked and will perform the search and deletions for you.

******************

REM change to C: drive then root of drive
ECHO Checking Drive C: for temporary files for deletion
c:
cd \

REM deletes recursively all indicated files
del *.tmp /s
del ~*.* /s
del _*.* /s
del *.??_ /s
del *.??~ /s

REM copy commands and paste below for additional drives
REM and change C: as necessary for any other drives
REM or partitions -- do not list CD drives

REM following line allows windo to remain open to see
REM results. Pressing any key closes window.
pause

************

Another major advantage of using the command line for deleting the temp files is that any that are in use are skipped without stopping the deletions of the rest. Deleting recursively means that all indicated files even in subdirectories are also deleted.

Have fun.

using this one del *.??_ /s if you happen to have your installation CD copied to your hard drive.

your OS can access that recovery partition AND if you have added that partition to the basic batch file offered as another drive to recursively delete.

If the commands are not directed to a specific partition they don't affect it.