As they work with data, many
applications create temporary files in order to conserve memory and, more
importantly, to leave more memory free for processing. Temporary files
generally have the extension .tmp, or have file names that start with a tilde
(~). For example, myDocument.tmp or ~document.wrd. Programs write temporary
files while they are doing something like a spelling check, or as a backup when
the program crashes.
Programs usually delete their
temporary files when they're shut down. But this doesn't always happen because
the program may be faulty, or it may have crashed before you could save a file
file. Regardless, programs save temporary files to the folder c:windows emp.
Sometimes, especially when you're using a word processor, you'll find temporary
files in the folder containing the file you're working on.
Temporary files are safe to
delete, especially if the application that created the file is shut down. If it
isn't, Windows won't let you to delete the file. You can delete temp files
manually by navigating to the c:windows emp folder in Windows Explorer. Once
there, you highlight the offending files, and press the Delete button.
A more efficient way to do this is
to select Search from the Start menu, then choose Files and Folders. In the
window that appears, click the All files and folders option. Then, in the All
or part of the file name field, type *.tmp. This will look for all files with
the extension .tmp. Click Search. A list of all the temp files Windows find
appears on the dialog. Just select the files as you would in Windows Explorer,
right click, and then press the Delete button on your keyboard.
A Last Bit of Advice
When deleting files, remember that when in doubt, err on the side
of caution and keep the file. Your computer and your data will be safer that way.
While deleting files from your computer can be dangerous business, with a
little caution you can clean all the junk off your computer without worrying
about damaging it. Just remember to keep your eyes open and to think twice
before pressing Delete.