Temporary files are files used by programs while you work or files only needed on a short-term basis. They are often created and removed automatically by the program that needs them.

When would I use temporary files?

There are several types of temporary files used for different purposes. Remove temporary files to increase the amount of hard disk space available on your computer

1.     The Temporary Internet Files folder (C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files) is         included with the Windows 98 installation. It contains web pages stored on your hard         disk for quicker viewing.

2.     The Downloaded Program Files folder (C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files) is         included with the Windows 98 installation. Files in this folder are usually used to         display web pages or animate pictures. They are automatically placed in this folder         when you open some web pages because it is faster to display files on your computer         than files on another computer on the Internet.

3.     The Recycle Bin is included in Windows 95 and Windows 98 installations. It is a        temporary storage area for files removed or deleted. You can restore files in the        Recycle Bin to their original location or empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove        the files from your computer.

4.     Temporary files are also stored in the TEMP folder (C:\Windows\Temp). Avoid         removing these files while programs are running as they might be in use. Delete         temporary files that have not been modified for a reasonable amount of time (several         days).

How do I manage or remove temporary files?

Remove temporary files by deleting them manually, emptying the Recycle Bin, and running the Windows Disk Cleanup program.

Remove temporary files with the Disk Cleanup program:

1.     Click the Start menu button.

2.     Click "Programs," followed by "Accessories" and "System Tools" on the sub-menus.

3.     Click "Disk Cleanup" on the System Tools sub-menu. The Select Drive dialog box         appears.

4.     Click the black triangle to select a drive to clean

5.     Click "OK."

6.     Click the squares by the file groups you would like to delete.

7.     Click "OK."

Empty the Recycle Bin:

1.     Click the Recycle Bin with the RIGHT mouse button.

2.     Click "Empty Recycle Bin" on the pop-up menu.