Solved Cannot delete / remove +-1TB of Temp Files on 1/2TB Drive?

[Mike Lynch]

I use Windows-7 Pro with all current Updates.

I purchased a NEAT Desktop Scanner and attempted to install the Software via a download from NEAT.

Windows reported that the Software was corrupted or damaged.

I used the Control Panel to remove NEAT from my System.

I then tried to clean up after the aborted install (corrupted or damaged).

MS Disk Cleanup reported +-1TB of Temp Files, after it scanned the Drive.

This is a size greater than the Drive itself.

I requested Disk Cleanup to delete / remove the Temp Files in question.

It went through the motions but the symptoms did not change.

I re-used Disk Cleanup and it reported the same +-1TB's of Temp Files on the Drive.

I worked with NEAT this morning for about 3/4's of an hour.

Their Agent removed every trace of NEAT that he could fine.

Same story after their efforts, +-1TB of Temp Files remain on a 1/2TB Drive.

Is / are there any step that I can take to "clean up" this situation?

FYI - I started the install on 01/29/2016.

I read where MS was revoking Certificate's and thought NEAT might have been in that action.

Could that be part of this dilemma?

Best regards,

Mike Lynch

 

[Layback Bear]

After you do a cleanup reboot. Many time the reboot is necessary to finish the cleaning.

Let us know if that helps.

 

[whs]

I used TFC with success. Try it.

TFC Download

 

[Layback Bear]

I also use TFC by OldTimer and it does a great job. You will also have to reboot to finish the cleanup.

I use Ccleaner on default settings a few times a day.

 

[ThrashZone]

Yea I'm just wondering how in the world does someone end up with that many temp files lol
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

 

[Mike Lynch]

Here are the results of the Old Timers:

GB's is less than TB's so it's a vast improvement.

 

[Layback Bear]

Please tell us you are rebooting after each time you run those programs.

Have you given Ccleaner a try. You will not have to reboot after running Ccleaner but it doesn't hurt to do so. It will also empty your Recycle Bin. Just use default setting and their is no need to use the registry section of the program.

https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download

 

[Mike Lynch]

The "Big Scare"! - I'm going to chicken out!

I ran CCCleaner and it appeared to remove a few additional temp files.
I decided to run Disk Cleanup but this tile I noticed that the Temp Icon was Grayed out and unchecked.
I checked it and it remained Greyed out.
I also checked Clean up Systems Files.
After it ran, additional space was freed but the Snipping Tool I use to document was no longer available.
Windows ask if I wanted the "remains" remover from the list, I chose no.
I also noted other icons did not work.
I tried to get back to the Forum but neither the route through Email not typing the Path in worked, YIKES.
I then rebooted and Seven went into recovery mode automatically.
When it finished, I was able to reach the Forum via the Email route and I am now reporting via it.

I am 71 and my wife is 69. All of our personal and business info is on this PC. I am afraid to proceed with anything. I believe there is a "defect" introduced by MS via recent Updates or some Viral Infection that's real stealthy as I run MSE all the time and occasionally Malwarebytes. I ran both before contacting the Forum, each reported no Malware. I am open to your advice. This is a scary situation I may have to live with, perhaps not too much longer.

The Windows Repair got me back to here. I have a Restore point from before the NEAT Install. I also tried it before contacting the Forum. It did not resolve the TB Temp File situation so here I am. HELP!

 

[whs]

I am 71 and my wife is 69. All of our personal and business info is on this PC

The very first thing you will have to do is to backup all your personal data - and I am 78, LOL.

 

[Mike Lynch]

Some observations, over time, that scare me!

I originally reported +-1TB of un-removable Temp Files.
Initially the MS Disk Cleaner reported about 1.14TB's.
After some "cleaning" that number dropped to about +-998GB's.
Nothing NEAT did could reduce the number.
Then I contacted the Forum and I ran the Old Time which reduced the number to +-60GB's.
I tried further passes with the MS Disk Cleaner.
JOY then despair!
The Cleaner reported getting the number down to +- 5GB's.
I did a Restart and low and behold, the System went into a Start Up Recovery.
The Recovery worked but, the number of Temps went back to the 60GB level.
I tried it three times and the results were identical.
Something sinister is up, perhaps related to W-10, which I do not need or a Virus.
I successfully ran Malwarebytes and always run constantly MSE.
Neither reported / reports and malware.
Does the Forum have any additional input?

 

[Layback Bear]

How did W-10 get in the picture?
Did you try to upgrade to W-10?

 

[Mike Lynch]

No, I do not want to go to Ten. It's just the Icon is always there and when I check for updates it's always in the List and needs to be unchecked. I am happy with Seven and I am not interested in learning something I do not need. From what little I know of it, there isn't a compelling reason for me to use it at my age.

 

[Layback Bear]

Take a look at this tutorial by Brink.

http://www.sevenforums.com/news/371537-how-remove-get-windows-10-app-your-pc.html

 

[Pauly]

I think a vital point is missing here, you do not and never did have that many temp files on your system, they wouldn't fit on the hard drive

I can only assume disk cleanup is mis reading disk space and seeing some system files as temp files and attempting to delete them leading to your fail to boot situation
You have plenty of space on your hard drive so there is no need to concern your self deleting every last thing you can, I would personally run an sfc scan now to verify your windows setup and see if all is healthy

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html
Option 2

 

[Layback Bear]

Good call Paul. Everything with (temp) or (log) in the name are not bad things.
SFC /SCANNOW is a excellent suggestion.

 

[Mike Lynch]

I tried but remember, I am a Novice at this stuff.

The Control Panel say I am the Administrator.

When I tried the SFC Command, Windows says I am not?

ALSO, my System is 64 Bit, does the "system32" in the example matter?

 

[Mike Lynch]

I did my "home work" and got the scan started, I'll keep you posted.

 

[Mike Lynch]

Here are the SFC Scan results. I will now do the Re-Boot.

 

[Mike Lynch]

Here is what the C: Drive looks like after the Reboot and the start of a Disk Cleanup. NOTE! As usual, for my current System, the Temp Files Box is unchecked and the Icon is subdued "greyed out". I will now run the Cleanup after checking the Temp Files Box.

 

[Mike Lynch]

After the Disk Scan ended, I re-ran it and here are the results. It appears to be the same condition as before. I will now re-boot and report back.