Disk Cleanup Tool May Not Delete Temporary Files (261897)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
This article was previously published under Q261897

SYMPTOMS

After you run the Disk Cleanup tool in Windows Millennium Edition (Me), temporary (.tmp) files in the %WinDir%\Temp folder and in other folders on the hard disk may not be deleted as expected.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if the temporary files are less than seven days old. The Disk Cleanup tool does not delete temporary files that are less than seven days old.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods:
  • Wait until the files have not been modified for seven days, and then run the Disk Cleanup tool again.
  • Drag the contents of the %WinDir%\Temp folder to the Recycle Bin. Right-click the Recycle Bin, and then click Empty Recycle Bin to delete the files.

    NOTE: This method is not recommended because the files may be in use or they may be called upon by a program, which could result in error messages if the files are deleted.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about how to determine which folder Windows is installed in, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

305792 How to Determine Which Folder Windows Is Installed In

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/28/2004
Keywords:kbFAQ kbprb KB261897
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