What files can I delete from my computer? Many computer users would like to clean files from their computers but do not know what files to delete. Therefore to avoid deleting the wrong files, the computer is simply left alone to store more and more files. This can cause major problems with your computer. It can start to run slow, popup with error messages, and generally become a confusing and cluttered system. If you do not know what files are safe to remove and delete from your computer, it is extremely important that you find out. There is one basic rule when deleting files from your computer: If you do not know what the files is then leave it alone.
What files are not safe to delete or remove from my computer?
BIOS Settings: Lets face it, unless you are a computer technician, you should not be flashing or upgrading your bios any time soon. The main thing you might enter the BIOS for is to set the boot order of your devices so you can boot from a cd. You cannot access the BIOS after you have loaded your operating system. See more about the BIOS
Operating System files: When you install Windows (or another operating system) there will be a folder containing files that will run your computer. For Windows the system files are usually in a folder named Windows, stored directly in C: drive. My advice to you is not to even look in there. If you accidentally delete a file from there your computer will not be able to load the operating system files needed to enter Windows.
Program Files: This is where all the programs you have installed are stored. If you accidentally remove a file from one of these folders you might cause the program to not work. If you want to remove a program you must do it through the control panel in Add or remove programs or programs and features in Vista. You cannot delete individual files hoping to get rid of the program. Some people also think that if they remove or delete the desktop icon that is a shortcut to a program, this also removes the program. This is wrong also.
Hidden Files: Hidden files are hidden for a reason. Do not touch them unless it is absolutely necessary. Here’s how to Show hidden files in Windows XP and Showing Super Hidden Files In Windows Vista .
When you are asking the question “what files can I delete from my computer“, make sure you steer clear of those ones listed above!
In the screen shot below it shows the Windows folder which is contained on your main C drive. You should not go in there at all. Next to it is the users folder where you will find your username folder and that will hold all the files that you have created. This includes pictures music downloads and all that stuff.
What files can I delete from my computer?
Lets just say that any file you create, you can delete. If you put a photo onto your computer it is your choice to delete it or not. Deleting this file will not effect the computer and how it runs. So if you created a word document or downloaded an mp3 file then you can delete them when ever you want to. Just make sure you know what you are deleting before you make a mistake. The files you can remove are usually stored in the documents, pictures, or music folders.
How do I safely delete or remove temporary files from my computer?
Every time you do something on your computer a temporary file is created. So if you download a file or even open a document, a temporary file is created. These files can accumulate and need to be cleared from the computer as they have no value to you. There are a number of ways on how to delete temporary internet files from your computer.
- Delete files from the C:\Users\Username\AppData\LocalTemp folder. (%temp)
- Delete files from the C:\WindowsTemp folder (temp)
- Delete files from the C:Users\Mitz\AppDataLocal\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files for Windows Vista, and C:Documents and SettingsmitzLocal SettingsTemporary Internet Files for Windows XP. These files include cookies, browsing history, and more..
Install a Program to Do it For You! Safely Remove Junk Files
Many people are still not sure if it is safe to remove temporary internet files from their computer. I understand this so for those people I would recommend software to do the job for them.
A software program will not upgrade your memory but it will clean out all the junk files, detect Malware, delete unused registry keys, Automatic Driver updates, and more. At the moment I am using PC Matic to maintain everything for me. This software is amazing and has won a number of top awards. You can get a free scan for your computer to see how it works before you buy.
What programs are safe to delete or remove from my computer?
If you installed a program and no longer require it or need it then you can delete it as long as you do it properly. See how to Safely Remove or delete programs from your computer.
Also see how to Remove programs from Windows Vista. If you do not know what program you are deleting then you should leave it alone.
Notes on What files can I delete from my Computer?
- Once you get the hang of what file is ok to delete safely, you will never have to wonder again.
- Just stick to the main rule: Do not delete it if you do not know what it is!
- If you’re still asking “What can I delete from my computer?”, I suggest you do some further reading as deleting the wrong files can cause major computer problems.