How to Empty the Cache in Windows XP

Windows XP has a folder called "Temporary Internet Files," which many people also refer to as the cache. Any time a person visits a website on a particular computer, tiny files are downloaded by the Web browser and stored in the cache. These files start to build up after a while, and before too long, they can actually take up a significant amount of disk space, causing a computer to run slower. Temporary Internet files do not need to be kept, however, so it's OK to empty the cache folder as often as you want.

Instructions

1. Close your Web browser.

2. Click on the "Start" button and open "Control Panel."

3. Double-click on "Internet Options."

4. Go to the "General" tab and click on "Delete Files" under "Temporary Internet Files."

5. Check "Delete all offline content," then click "OK." Click "OK" one more time.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Delete the Contents of the Temporary Internet Files Folder