I need help cleaning out all the junk on my computer.?

Question

I am using WinXP and I have all kinds of junk files and folders on my computer that are just taking up space. Does anyone know of a program that is easy to use but effective for cleaning up a computer?

Alot of the files/folders are from programs that I no longer use.

AND, can someone please tell me some idea's on how to free up space on my computer safely?

Thanks.

Answer 1

First, go to the Control Panel and use ADD/REMOVE Programs and get rid of anything that you don't need. (use REMOVE)

Then go to Download.com and get Ad-aware - run that.

Go back to download.com and get SpyBot Search & Destroy - run that.

Don't forget to Update and run your Anti-virus program

Then use your Disk Cleanup program - Go to START - PROGRAMS - Accessories - System Tools and pick Disk Cleanup.

If you have really good backups of everything, and know how to reconfigure your e-mail and internet account; then you might try using the RESTORE disk and getting a fresh start.

Answer 2

I try to run Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter regularly. That helps clean up temporary files and moves file segments together into contiguous chunks.

I'm afraid that you'll have to manually remove the files/folders related to the programs you no longer use. First, uninstall the programs by going to Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. Then, delete the related files/folders. Good luck.

Answer 3

CCleaner (crap cleaner) is good, I use it all the time. I'd also get Ad-aware, to get rid of any spyware you may have hanging around. Also another program I use is called Advanced Windows Care, it helps you to optimize your computer. All these programs are available on downloads.com.

Just be careful when deleting stuff, always make a backup before any major changes are made.

Answer 4

If its not too much that you'd like to save, I'd suggest to just save what you need on a CD and restore your computer. You can do this through control panel or if you have a Dell, you can press shift+F11 when your computer is starting up and that will do it. Your computer will then be just like it was the day you bought it. If you decide to do this, make sure to save everything you need on a disc before... coz it'll all be gone! Hope this helps some...

Answer 5

Try getting rid of your accumulated cookies and temporary Internet files. These often take up a lot of space. Go to control panel find Internet, go to properties and you will find a place to delete the above items. Also if you have a lot of downloaded items-music, etc. you may want to save them to disc and remove them from your computer.

Answer 6

AD Remove .
Xp runs the same file system 98 runs' just more dose sile "Ha"
Add/Remove is the way to go.Or in programs from start button Move Files saftly to Bin.

Answer 7

Window Washer is an excellent program.

You might also want to run a Disk Defragmentation on your computer that can be done without any software. And actually should be done rountinely.

Answer 8

here's a great free software to help you delete unwanted/unnecessary junk off of your PC: http://www.ccleaner.com/

You should regularly use the Scandisk and DiskDefrag options that are on every PC. It can make a HUGE difference if you've never done either before.

Answer 9

one thing that i do is delete the cookies everyday
you right click on the internet explorer and go to properties
then delete cookies should be right there
it takes the memory of all your hits on sites on the internet
it doesnt' delete anything important just stuff that is takin space

Answer 10

Wipe your hard drive and start over. Reload Windows and only the applications that you need.