tech/windows question for people who aren't tech-morons like me

[Bombtrack]

I don't know if this is simple stuff or not, but I really would like to know how to get rid of the hidden files and folders in both windows/temp and windows/temporary internet files

in the simpelist terms possible if possible

thanks

[ThirdWheelLegend]

1. Well first off...

Most hidden files and folders are that way on purpose. So you do not accidentally delete them.

Usually they are hidden because they are crucial windows files.

Let me edit this post, I didnt read at first you were just referring to temp and temp int files.

Yes as devarsi said what version of windows?

But still stand by my advice to be sure what you are deleting :).


TWL

[devarsi]

2. A question first...

What version of Windows do you use?

Genrally, there are a few ways to clear your Temp and Temp Inet folders, without causing any problems, but let us know the Windows version first, ok?

[Bombtrack]

4. Windows98

sorry should have said that

[Llewlladdwr]

3. What version of Windows are you using?

There are subtle variations between versions as to how to go about this, though they all basically just amount to setting the folder options for those folders to View All or View Hidden Files. In Win2K you can do this from the Windows Explorer, by selecting Folder Options under the Tools Menu. Once that's done you can select and delete the files as you normally would. From my experience its unusual to have hidden folders or directories in those locations, at least anything Windows would need to function, but as TWL pointed out be very sure you know what you're deleting as well as the consequences of doing so. Good luck!

[OldEuropean]

5. Cleaning system

It's no good idea to entirely delete the temporary internet dirs, use open IE, goto options, right on first page you see is an option "delete files" (not "delete cookies"). As a note, I would recommend you don't use that insecure Internet Exploder but switch to Mozilla (www.mozilla.org) or Opera (www.opera.com).

As for the other temp folder, you can make Windows Explorer display the system/hidden files. Check out "folder options", "View". There are options like "hide protected files", "show system folders" and "Display hidden files and folders" you can change.

There are various cleanup tools, check out www.download.com.

[devarsi]

6. Thats not entirely correct

Deleting the Temp Internet Directory will not hurt anything, and I often HAD to do it when I worked the help desk for Microsoft. You have to do it from DOS, and rebooting to Windows will automatically create a new Temp Inet folder for you. It's not a normal step when you just want to delete the files in that folder, unless a file is corrupted and doesn't want to come out peacefully, so dont go down that path unless you must.

In Win 98, a good way to regularly clean these two folders is to use a tool called Disc Cleanup.

Click on Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk CleanUp.

Your system will chug away for a second, then ask you which drive you want to cleanup, the default will probably be C:\.

Choose the drive you want to clean up, you will then be given a list of areas where Windows can remove files that may be causing some clutter. the Temp folder, and the Temporary Internet Files folder will be two of the default options.

You will be able to check the folders that you want cleared, and remove checks from the folders that you want to leave alone. Simply leave checkmarks in the two folders we have been discussing, click YES, and you are good to go.

If you want to see hidden foles in ANY folder, click:
Start/Settings/Folder Options, and chose the VIEW tab. Look near the top of the list for HIDDEN FILES, and put a dot in the circle next to SHOW ALL FILES.

Click OK, and you will be able to see hidden and system files in all folders. Be careful, if you delete system files you may HOSE your system.

Good luck!