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This article describes how to clean up all temporary directories.

Contents:

1. Disk Cleanup Wizard
2. Manually Empty the Prefetch Folder

Warning: The following procedure will delete all files from the temporary internet, temporary files and downloads directories. If you have files in these folders that you would like saved, back them up to another location before proceeding.

Applies To:

Windows XP Home and Professional

Requirements:

You will need to be logged into an account with administrative privledges to perform this procedure. For assistance with determing your account's rights, click here.

Part 1: Disk Cleanup Wizard

1. Click Start, point to All Programs , point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup .
2. A Select Drive box will open. In the dropdown menu, select the local drive of the workstation. The local disk will usually have drive letter C:
3. The Disk Cleanup wizard will calculate free space on the local drive.
4. After Disk Cleanup has finished calculating free space, the Disk Cleanup windows for the local drive letter will open.
5. Check the boxes next to Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files, Temporary Files, and WebClient/Publisher Temporary Files. Then click the OK button.
6. A confirmation box will open. Click Yes.

Part 2: Manually Empty the Prefetch Folder

The Prefetch folder contains data files related to enhancing the speed at which applications start. Many viruses and IRC bots like to hide out in Prefetch, and it's a good idea to flush it out before running virus scans.

1. After the Disk Cleanup operation has completed, double-click My Computer on the desktop, or open Windows Explorer.
2. In My Computer, double-click to open local disk.
3. In Local Disk, double-click to open the Windows folder.
4. In the Windows folder, locate locate the Prefetch folder and double-click it to open it.
5. In the Prefetch folder, from the menu bar, click Edit and click Select All. This will select/highlight all of the contents in the folder.
6. Again from the menu bar, click File and click Delete. This will move the entire contents of the prefetch folder to the Recycle Bin.
7. Close all the open windows and right-click on the Recycle Bin and click Empty Recycle Bin. Click Yes on any message wishing to confirm your action.

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