How to Remove Clutter From a Hard Drive

It can be hard to find what you're looking for if your hard disk is full of unneeded files. Just like with your paper filing cabinet, do yourself a favor sometime and weed out unnecessary stuff.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Macintosh Computers
• Computers
• Uninstaller Softwares

Applications and Documents

1. Open your document and applications folders.

2. Drag the icons for unneeded documents to the Recycle Bin (Windows 95 or 98) or the Trash (Macintosh).

3. Copy documents you want to keep but don't expect to use often to floppy disks or other backup media.

4. Move these documents to the Recycle Bin or the Trash after you've copied them.

5. Empty your Recycle Bin or the Trash after completing the above steps.

6. Remove unwanted application programs by using an uninstaller program. In Windows, use the Add/Remove control panel. On the Mac, many program installers include a Remove option; you need to run the installer again and choose Remove.

Backup and Temporary Files

7. Your programs should clean up their temporary files by themselves, but sometimes they don't. Check your folders for file names that begin with a tilde (~) or end with TMP. Drag them to the Recycle Bin or the Trash.

8. Check your work and application folders for backup files whose names end with BAK. Remove these if you don't need them.

9. Don't empty the Recycle Bin or the Trash after completing the above steps.

10. Reboot your computer to make sure you haven't deleted a necessary system file.

11. Open applications to make sure they boot properly if you deleted files from their folders.

12. If you have no problems, empty the Recycle Bin or the Trash. Otherwise, return files to their original places.

Tips & Warnings

• Programs use temporary files to store the version of a document you're currently working on. When you save changes, the changes made to the temporary file are saved to your disk.
• Don't make changes to your system unless you know exactly what you're doing.
• Only delete files that you recognize and files that you don't need.

[dazzlekid]

on 6/2/2009 This article was not very helpful to me Who still uses windows 95 I was hoping for something more do one for Vista now that would be helpful even XP

[joeys]

on 11/24/2008 How do I get a hacker out of my pc? AT&T has a program; however, after I pay their fee (they monitor for 6 months after end due date) I'm not comfortable with the concept that leaves me unsure that the hacker may be able to return again. I'm not certain when it began, but I am certain it's been going on for years. It appears that there is no law prohibiting it (how do you prove it?) whole groupings of people who, (for whatever reason), are in the same [predicament as myself) are having to put up with it. What resource do I have in getting rid of this hacker once and for all time.

[sashajes]

on 8/29/2008 computer message saying it doesn't have enough space. I've deleted temporary files, unwanted programs, can't defragment as I need 15% disk space and only have 4% free. Any tips on how I can free up space?

on 1/9/2008 There are a hundred things you can do to clean your hard drive. The main ones are in your windows folder. Delete all files in folder Applog + Temp + Temp Internet Files also delete all Cookies in that folder. There are heaps more e-mail me at [e-mail] and I'll send you to web sites that explain much more.

on 11/22/2005 Go to files and folder, find files type called JPEG Images

And delete them, store in trash bin, leave for a cople of reboot then delete