CLEANUP GARBAGE FILES

Disk cleanup is one of the most important parts of computer maintenance. Remember that more the free space there is, the faster your computer will run. Performing disk cleanup is essential because Windows accumulates unnecessary junk files that massively reduce computer performance. These files are just like the junk hidden deep in your wardrobe - you can't see it, but it's still there and it's wasting space. So how do they get created in the first place?

Most Windows programs create temporary files for a number of purposes, but mostly when a program needs more memory for its tasks or when a program is working with large chunks of data. Programs like Microsoft Office also create temporary files and use them for keeping a copy of your data in case the program crashes.

In the perfect world, temporary files would be deleted automatically when the programs close. Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong. Poorly written applications, improper shutdowns, and freeze-ups often leave temp files behind. That's how gigabytes of clutter are created. Another type of temporary files is Temporary Internet Files. These files are created by the browser and are often kept for a lot longer than necessary.

Deleting junk files is easy enough - all you need to do is run the built-in Disk Cleanup tool.

Windows XP:

1. Click on Start and go to Programs - Accessories - System Tools
2. Launch the Disk Cleanup tool
3. Select the drive you want to cleanup and let the program analyze it
4. Review the results and click OK to clean up junk files

This should free up a considerable amount of disk space. If you want to free up even more space, delete all except the most recent System Restore Points. To do that, just click on the More Options tab and click on Clean up under System Restore

Windows 7:

1. Click on Start, type Disk Cleanup into the search box
2. Launch the Disk Cleanup tool. It will offer you to choose the drive you wish to clean up
3. Click OK and let the tool analyze your drive
4. Now review the list of files to be deleted and click OK

Just like XP, Windows 7 allows you to delete old System Restore Points and shadow copies. To do that, simply click on Clean up system files and then click on Clean up under System Restore and Shadow Copies. Make sure you are running the tool as administrator - otherwise you won't get the option to delete System Restore Points

Alternate method using software:

You can use the Disk Cleaner feature in Advanced System Care or use the native one in Wise cleaner.