Search for temporary files starting with "~$" in Windows explorer


  1. DeanCapp
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7, 64 bit
       New #1

    Search for temporary files starting with "~$" in Windows explorer


    Hi
    Is there a way to search for temporary document (excel, word, etc) files in windows explorer?

    The files usually start with ~$ (tilde dollar).
    Search does not seem to recognise ~$ as they are usually system characters


    Note: I do not want to locate temporary internet or mail files stored in the temporary folder, only the temp files created when you open documents, but they are not deleted when you close the documents. They consume space.

    I also do not need to know how to display hidden files, but need to search for them.

    Thanks
    Dean
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  3. Jacee
    Posts : 8,608
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit SP1
       New #2

    Have you looked here? ---> under "User -> Username -> Local Settings -> Temporary Files"
    Are you using a USB device?
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  4. rvcjew
    Posts : 1,992
    10 Pro x64
       New #3

    What version of Office are you using? They should delete themselves after the file has been closed.
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  6. Callender
    Posts : 4,776
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       New #4

    Consider these search tools


    Hi, maybe you could consider installing other file search software. My personal preference is to disable windows search and indexing and use alternatives. Examples are shown in the screenshots.


    SwiftSearch | Free Security & Utilities software downloads at SourceForge.net (Insanely fast)

    Ultra File Search - File Search Utility (Not as fast but more functionality)
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Search for temporary files starting with "~$" in Windows explorer-swiftsearch.jpg   Search for temporary files starting with "~$" in Windows explorer-ultrafilesearch.jpg  
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  7. rvcjew
    Posts : 1,992
    10 Pro x64
       New #5

    Callender said:
    Hi, maybe you could consider installing other file search software. My personal preference is to disable windows search and indexing and use alternatives. Examples are shown in the screenshots.


    SwiftSearch | Free Security & Utilities software downloads at SourceForge.net (Insanely fast)

    Ultra File Search - File Search Utility (Not as fast but more functionality)
    swiftsearch just crashes when opened it seems.
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  8. DeanCapp
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7, 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #6

    Jacee - thanks for the reply, but way off the mark. I explicitly said I don't need to find that folder and it is irrelevant to my question. USB device is irrelevant. It affects any drive, inc network drives.

    rvcjew - I am using Office 2010. Yes, It should delete these files, but Office doesn't always do so. If you turn on show hidden files, you see the temp files in the same directory as the 'real' files. I find the bug is endemic with shared documents.

    Callender, I think I will try your solution.

    Thanks
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  10. rvcjew
    Posts : 1,992
    10 Pro x64
       New #7

    is it anything like what this guy had Temp ~$.doc, etc. files don't close after a file closes. This causes locked files.
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  11. Callender
    Posts : 4,776
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       New #8

    Swift Search Crashes?


    rvcjew said:
    Callender said:
    Hi, maybe you could consider installing other file search software. My personal preference is to disable windows search and indexing and use alternatives. Examples are shown in the screenshots.


    SwiftSearch | Free Security & Utilities software downloads at SourceForge.net (Insanely fast)

    Ultra File Search - File Search Utility (Not as fast but more functionality)
    swiftsearch just crashes when opened it seems.

    I assume that you've read user comments from users who don't understand that it needs the correct permissions to run.

    Personally I created an elevated shortcut. I can assure you that it's never crashed even once.
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  12. rvcjew
    Posts : 1,992
    10 Pro x64
       New #9

    I only ran it elevated and have windows search and indexing off hmm I'll look more into it. Thanks.
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  13. DeanCapp
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7, 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #10

    Hi,
    FYI, here is an example of what I mean.


    RCVJEW, I will check the link as it looks like a common problem.

    CALLENDER, the two search programs works well. i just need to be able to find something to search and batch deleten them now. Thanks for your help
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