TEMP directory in Windows 7

Question

My netbook had 284G storage.  241G is taken up by the directory C:/windows/temp

I'm running Windows 7.  Can I safely delete the files and sub-directories in the TEMP directory to regain some storage space?  Most of the files are named cab_xxx_xx with 80% empty files, the other 20% are 71M in size.

Answer 1

Yes, they can, and should be, deleted periodically.

The temp folder provides workspace for programs. Programs can create temporary files there for their own temporary use. Each program should delete all its temporary files when it closes, but for various reasons it doesn't always happen (for example, if the program crashes, it never gets to do this). That's why it's a good idea to periodically clean out anything left there.

Also note that there are some program installations which work in two steps. The first step concludes by writing temporary files and rebooting. The second step starts automatically after rebooting and needs to find those files there (and then deletes them when it's done).

Other than doing it automatically when rebooting (that would interfere with installations like the kind I described), it's always safe to delete the contents of the temp folder. Because it's safe to delete any temp files that aren't open and in use by an application, and since Windows won't let you delete open files, it's safe to (try to) delete them at any time. If any fail to delete because they're open, they'll either be deleted automatically when the app using them closes, or you'll get them the next time you delete manually.

Some people may suggest that you reboot before deleting anything, but that's not necessary, for the reason described above (on the other hand, it doesn't hurt to do it).

Answer 2

Yes - you can remove everything in the TEMP folder.

It sounds like your system is a victim of this popular known Windows 7 "feature":

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3112358/windows-7-log-file-compression-bug-can-fill-up-your-hard-drive.html

Answer 3

Thanks ElderN.  I have exactly the problem in the article.

Answer 4

Thanks Ken.

Answer 5

You're welcome. Glad to help.