How to Get Rid of Junk Files in Vista

Over time, junk files will accumulate on the computer, using up valuable space and resources. Periodically, junk files should be removed from the system to free up system resources. The most efficient way of getting rid of junk files in Vista is to run the Disk Cleanup utility. Disk Cleanup will provide the user with options of deleting cached files, old setup files, system dump and error files, and other junk files in one smooth process. Running the Disk Cleanup utility in Vista (and in XP) is a straightforward task, and requires just a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Click the Windows "Start" button and then click "Computer."

2. Step 2

   Right-click on the "Local Drive (C:)" option.

3. Step 3

   Select "Properties" from the context menu. The Properties window will appear for the C: drive.

4. Step 4
   

   Click the "Disk Cleanup" button.

5. Step 5

   Select the option to clean only "My Files" or "Files from All Users on the Computer."

6. Step 6

   Click "OK" to confirm the Vista access confirmation dialog box. The Disk Cleanup calculation progress bar will appear. The utility will scan the system and calculate the size of the junk files. Next, the utility will compose and display a list of options for deleting the files.

7. Step 7

   Check the checkboxes in front of the options for the junk files to delete. To view the files in a group, click the "View Files" button. When all selections are made, click the "OK" button.

8. Step 8

   Click the "Delete Files" button at the deletion verification box. The utility will run and delete the junk files. The process may take a few minutes to complete. The progress bar window will disappear when all junk files have been deleted.

9. Step 9

   Close the Properties box by clicking the "OK" button.