The Disk Cleanup tool in Windows 2000 stops responding while it scans old files for compression (886219)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Important This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you run the Disk Cleanup tool, the Disk Cleanup tool appears to stop responding during the "Compress old files" scanning process.

CAUSE

This issue occurs if the Disk Cleanup tool takes a long time to complete the "Compress old files" scanning process. Because this process takes a long time, the Disk Cleanup tool appears to stop responding. For example, if the following conditions are true, the Disk Cleanup tool appears to stop responding:
  • The Disk Cleanup tool identifies system cache files for compression.
  • The system cache files are being used during the compression process.

WORKAROUND

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To work around this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
  2. In Registry Editor, locate and then click the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{B50F5260-0C21-11D2-AB56-00A0C9082678}

  3. On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.
  4. Quit Registry Editor.
Note When you delete this registry key, the Disk Cleanup tool skips the procedure for scanning compressed files.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/19/2004
Keywords:kbtshoot KB886219 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
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