Solved Can I safely empty C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder?

[Kaktussoft]

I think temp folders are just for temporary things. But my C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder is full of files!! More than 500MB in total.

Can I safely empty C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder?

 

[marsmimar]

Yes.

Is it safe to Remove All Files from the Windows Temp ? - Windows-XP-General-Discussion - Windows-XP (also applies to Vista, 7, and 8)

You could also employ a 3rd party app like CCleaner or Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer

CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download

TFC - Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer - Geeks to Go Forums

 

[Barman58]

Just one word of caution, make sure all apps are closed or at least have no unsaved data before you clear any temp or TMP folders - just in case

 

[Kaktussoft]

I know I most close every application. I don't need extra software to achieve what I want. I just want to know if it's safe to empty C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder in windows 7. Maybe someone has a reference link to some prove?

 

[richnrockville]

FWIW: I have been deleting whatever files are in the windows\temp folder for a really long time. Sometimes it says that It can't delete one or more because they are in use and I just unmark them for deletion and it works fine.

I don't know where there would be an official reference to the Temp folder that would give you the warm fuzzy on deleting files. I always have an image of my C drive whenever I do something that I am not 100% sure.

Rich

 

[Layback Bear]

Here is a warm and fuzzy method.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/76383-disk-cleanup-extended.html

 

[Kaktussoft]

Here is a warm and fuzzy method.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/76383-disk-cleanup-extended.html

I tried it.... and C:\windows\temp is still filled up with a lot of files. It did delete NONE of them

 

[Layback Bear]

Check your temp folders and see if they are empty.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Check your temp folders and see if they are empty.

I did clean %temp% folder located under userprofile.
I'm talking about issues on c:\windows\temp folder

 

[Pedroc1999]

I would say yes but i recommend you wait for someone with a bit more expertise in this area

 

[marsmimar]

I know I most close every application. I don't need extra software to achieve what I want. I just want to know if it's safe to empty C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder in windows 7. Maybe someone has a reference link to some prove?

I realize you said you don't need any extra software. But the native Windows 7 disk cleanup tool (even when using the Extended feature) tends to err on the side of caution. In other words, many temp files will not be deleted no matter how many times you run disk cleanup. That's why there's a market for 3rd party tools like CCleaner and Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer.

You don't have to permanently install TFC to use it. I keep the .exe file in my Downloads folder. Every so often I run it. In fact, it just so happens I ran it last night. Here's my c:\windows\temp folder and my Download folder. Of course, it's strictly up to you how you want to maintain your computer and what tools you choose to use. Just offering a suggestion and no disrespect intended.

 

[Kaktussoft]

I ran Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer. It did empty all users temp folders and some history folders.... they are safe to empty.

It also emptied C:\WINDOWS\TEMP. No problems so far

 

[Pedroc1999]

Ok thank you for the confirmation and i hope yoir happy. These things normaly speed up the pc. I ince had over 1.5gb of .tmp files and after cleaning it felt like i had 2x more ram

 

[Layback Bear]

I wish I could help more. Maybe just a reboot would help. My posted methods work for me.

 

[Pedroc1999]

What i do is search windows for .tmp files and open in windows explorer. Then organise select all and delete. Has always worked flawlessly for me

 

[Pedroc1999]

Yes i saw that online the other day. I currently use advanced system care 6 pro and my license is ending february ish. Should i continue wiht them or go for another.i am quite satisfied with them and they give out regular updates which is good

 

[Layback Bear]

Did I read post #4 correctly?
I know I most close every application. I don't need extra software to achieve what I want. I just want to know if it's safe to empty C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder in windows 7. Maybe someone has a reference link to some prove?
------------------------------------
I have used Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer for years and it always worked as it should.
The same with Ccleaner. Both are 3rd party programs.

 

[Pedroc1999]

Yes i know. I werent suggesting it. Im just asking you for a quick opinion on it

 

[WindowsStar]

I have deleted all the files in the TEMP folder(s) for years and never had any issues with it. Then I found that some software and installers would create folders in the TEMP (folders inside the TEMP folder(s)) and I wanted to get rid of them too. So I would just delete the TEMP folder(s) and recreate them. This seems to work perfectly without issues. However and here is the big note. Some software does use the TEMP folder(s) and will set special permissions on that folder so deleting the folder will not put the permissions back. It took me a lot of time on the phone with tech support to figure out what was wrong with my $2000 software not working. The tech could not figure it out, I had no idea. Then after we had worked on it for 5 days it occurred to me that I had deleted the TEMP folder(s) I explained that to the tech on the phone and he said that would have nothing to do with it. However after another 4 hours trying everything he looked at his machine and noticed that there were special permissions set on the TEMP folder(s). Once I added them back the software worked perfectly. HUGE FYI. -WS

 

[Pedroc1999]

Wooow $2000 software. Just wonderi g what software is it. Good earning though. Il keep that in mind