How do I fix Disc Cleanup?

Question

When I try to run Disc Cleanup (cleanmgr.exe), it stalls, and my CPU usage goes from a low percentage to 100%. How do I fix this?

When I try to run Disc Cleanup (cleanmgr.exe) it stalls during the "compress old files" stage, and Task Manager shows that it uses almost 100% of my CPU usage. How do I fix this? (Edited to expand details 11/04/07 4:31 PM CST)

Answer 1

Download & run Ccleaner. It is good and fast. Disk Cleanup can be a bit fickle.

http://filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/

wdw

Answer 2

What else are you running?
Are you using wallpaper and screensavers? They run constantly in the background and use memory.
You can set your wallpaper and screensaver to blank or none, and close all other open programs (do not close your antivirus software) - then try again.

If this doesn't work, try running it in Safe Mode.
Before you go into Safe Mode, put a shortcut for Disk Cleanup on your desktop.
click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools
right-click Disk Cleanup
select "create shortcut"
cut the shortcut and paste it to the desktop or drag it over
Now you can proceed with Safe Mode.

If you are not clear on Safe Mode:
Restart your computer to get to Safe Mode:
-> Power on or Restart
>>>As soon as you see the system trying to load (it will probably be black and white)
>>>and before Windows tries to load,
>>>press and hold the F8 key.
>>>Continue holding it down until you see a black and white DOS menu. I think Safe Mode is F3.

double-click the Disk Cleanup shortcut.
(When it is finished, you will “EXIT” to Windows. Your desktop icons will probably be out of order – just drag them back.)


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WindowsXP Safe Mode Explained
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1643