How to run Disk Cleanup

One of the simplest maintenance steps I teach people how to use all the time is Disk Cleanup.  Disk Cleanup should be completed every two weeks or so depending on how much information you access and how many web pages.  On the outside, this should be done every month.

Disk Cleanup is easy to do and usually only takes a few minutes. You may find it speeds up your computer when you are on-line.

Over time your computer stores information that it needs on the Hard Drive. The information stored is in the form of Temporary Internet Files. Windows has to deal with these files whether it uses them or not and often get cluttered to the point that Windows and Internet Explorer read information incorrectly.

Windows XP: Click Start then click My Computer.
Right Click on your Hard Drive (Local Disk C:)
Left Click on Properties
Click on the Disk Cleanup button.
The Default settings are usually OK. Please make sure that Windows Temporary Files are included.
Click OK.
When Disk Cleanup is completed, restart your PC.


Windows Vista:
Click on  Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Cleanup
When it is done looking for files make sure that Recycle Bin, Temporary Files and Temporary Internet Files are all Checked.
Click OK.
When Disk Cleanup is done restart your PC

Windows 7:
Click the Windows Start button:
In the search field type, "Disk Cleanup"
Click on Disk Cleanup above.
Select your hard drive usually Windows (C:) or Local Disk C:
Check all items and click OK.
When Disk Cleanup is complete, restart your PC


For more detailed information on Windows Maintenance see 5 Ways to Speed up your PC

After Disk Cleanup is run, you should always restart your PC.  After the restart Windows may behave a little faster and Windows may handle the switching of windows much better.

Come back for more Maintenance tips from time to time.  I will publish what I can when time permits.