ParetoLogic Privacy Controls > Tutorials > Cleaning Windows Temporary Files And Folders

Cleaning Temporary Files and Folders

Cleaning Windows TemporaryFiles And Folders

The Windows operating system creates and stores a large number of files, folders, and other entries. These records are maintained in order to speed up the loading process of Windows applications or to further enhance the user experience, but it can result in a large number of obsolete or unwanted traces being left on your PC.

This drain on system resources can lead to software interaction and system failure as well as a poor performing PC with slow loading times and Windows errors. ParetoLogic Privacy Controls can scan your Windows files, folders, and registry entries in order to delete computer history and remove any unnecessary documents and to optimize your system.

1 – Accessing Windows Options

In order to access the Windows option users should click on the Options button on the main ParetoLogic Privacy Controls window. Clicking the dropdown arrow next to Windows will bring up a list of actions that can be taken within the Windows system folders and settings.

2 – Choosing The Files And Settings To Clear

Document History enables users to clear out the list of recently accessed files from within each of the Windows programs. This can free up system resources, protect your privacy, and ensure the optimal performance of your software.
The Find and Search History is another area that can become quickly congested. Regularly deleting search history is advised because it is unlikely that you will require the Find and Search History.
The Temporary Files directory is regularly filled with obsolete files. Many Windows based applications use temporary files in order to increase loading times and improve performance. However, all applications create a temporary file as and when required so you can safely delete temp files from the temporary directory.
Flush Recycle Bin deletes all files within the Windows Recycle Bin. Rather than using the Empty Recycle Bin this option securely removes all traces and remnants of files that have been left behind after a standard attempt to delete files from the recycle bin.
The Start Menu click history is the section of the Windows Start menu that is populated with the programs that you have most recently and most commonly used. ParetoLogic Privacy Controls enables users to remove all items from this list and clear the appropriate registry entries.
The Start Menu order history is another section of the Windows Start menu. This section of the menu is typically populated by the user to include the applications that you most likely want to access quickly. Using ParetoLogic Privacy Controls users can clear this list.
Windows virtual memory is used by some applications, in particular Windows based applications, when starting and running. This can quickly become filled and even once you have closed certain applications remnants may remain within the virtual memory, also known as the Paging or Swap File. The Paging (Swap) File enables users to clear out these remnants.
The Windows temp folder contains temporary files that are associated with the Windows operating system and any other Windows applications. The Windows Temp Folder option lets you clear this folder quickly and effectively.
The Run Command history option is used to clear out the dropdown list of previously typed entries in the Run command.

Other options enable users to further clear files, folders, and entries from the Windows operating system as well as the Windows registry. File and settings history, temporary folders, and recent file lists can all be cleared and cleaned. The majority of them are safe to indiscriminately remove because they can be replaced manually by users or automatically by Windows and applications as and when they are required.

3 – Starting The Scan

Ensure that there is a tick next to each of the checks or scans you would like to perform within the Windows section. Once you have populated the scan options screen click on the Scan And Erase link. Click the Start button to begin the scan of your computer.

4 – Erasing Files And Folders

Once the scan has completed you will be presented with the scan results. On this screen it is possible to work through each of the results separately and look at the files and folders that have been marked for deletion. By default all of the results are ticked for deletion. If there are any files or folders you don’t wish to remove then you should deselect them from this screen before continuing. Once you are happy that you have selected all the items you wish to remove click the Erase button. Click Yes on the conformation screen to continue.

5 – Restarting Your Computer

If you have any applications or files open while running ParetoLogic Privacy Controls then you may receive a warning message informing you that you need to restart your computer in order to complete the full process.

Choosing Restart Now will restart your computer and complete the scanning and deletion. The other option is to Restart Later. When you next restart your computer the updates will complete then.

Windows Options Conclusion

Click Finish to be taken back to the ParetoLogic Privacy Controls main screen once the scan has completed.

Performing a regular scan and erasing obsolete and unnecessary files can help to ensure that you get the best performance from your computer and, in particular, from your Windows operating system. While it is possible to clear history files manually through the Windows control panel and through individual applications this is unlikely to yield the same clean hard drive as using the ParetoLogic Privacy Controls Windows option, which lets you securely shred files and ensure that the Windows operating system performs at its best.

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