What files are safe to remove from my computer

What files are safe to delete or remove from my Computer?

Note : Applies to Windows XP Pro and Windows Vista

Many computer users would like to clean files from their computers but do not know what files to delete. Therefore to avoid deleting the wrong files, the computer is simply left alone to store more and more files. This can cause major problems with your computer. It can start to run slow, popup with error messages, and generally become a confusing and cluttered system. If you do not know what files are safe to remove and delete from your computer, it is extremely important that you find out. There is one basic rule when deleting files from your computer: If you do not know what the files is then leave it alone.

What files are not safe to delete or remove from my computer? BIOS Settings: Lets face it, unless you are a computer technician, you should not be flashing or upgrading your bios any time soon. The main thing you might enter the BIOS for is to set the boot order of your devices so you can boot from a cd. You cannot access the BIOS after you have loaded your operating system. See more about the BIOS. Operating System files: When you install Windows (or another operating system) there will be a folder containing files that will run your computer. For Windows the system files are usually in a folder named Windows, stored directly in C: drive. My advice to you is not to even look in there. If you accidentally delete a file from there your computer might not work or startup. Program Files: This is where all the programs you have installed are stored. If you accidentally remove a file from one of these folders you might cause the program to not work. If you want to remove a program you must do it through the control panel in Add or remove programs or programs and features in Vista. You cannot delete individual files hoping to get rid of the program. Some people also think that if they remove or delete the desktop icon that is a shortcut to a program, this also removes the program. This is wrong also. Hidden Files: Hidden files are hidden for a reason. Do not touch them unless it is absolutely necessary. Here’s how to Show hidden files in Windows XP and Showing Super Hidden Files In Windows Vista .

What files are safe to delete or remove?

Lets just say that any file you create, you can delete. If you put a photo onto your computer it is your choice to delete it or not. Deleting this file will not effect the computer and how it runs. So if you created a word document or downloaded an mp3 file then you can delete them when ever you want to. Just make sure you know what you are deleting before you make a mistake. The files you can remove are usually stored in the documents, pictures, or music folders.

How do I safely delete or remove temporary files from my computer?

Every time you do something on your computer a temporary file is created. So if you download a file or even open a document, a temporary file is created. These files can accumulate and need to be cleared from the computer as they have no value to you. There are a number of ways to safely delete these temporary files from your computer.

1.     Delete files from the C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Temp folder. (%temp)

2.     Delete files from the C:\Windows\Temp folder (temp)

3.     Delete files from the C:\Users\Mitz\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files for Windows Vista, and C:\Documents and Settings\mitz\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files for Windows XP. These files include cookies, browsing history, and more..

To see more information on how to remove temporary files please see how to safely delete temporary files

What programs are safe to delete or remove from my computer?

If you installed a program and no longer require it or need it then you can delete it as long as you do it properly. See how to Safely Remove or delete programs from your computer.
Also see how to Remove programs from Windows Vista. If you do not know what program you are deleting then you should leave it alone.

Notes on What files are safe to delete or remove from my Computer?

• Once you get the hang of what file is ok to delete safely, you will never have to wonder again.
• Just stick to the main rule: Do not delete it if you do not know what it is!