How to Delete Temporary Files in CCleaner

In this section, we will learn how to delete all the temporary files created by Microsoft Windows and most applications that you use on your computer.

Step 1. Click or select Start > Programs > CCleaner to activate the CCleaner main user interface.

Step 2. Click to activate the following screen:

Figure 1: The CCleaner main user interface displaying the Cleaner pane

The Cleaner window is divided into two panes, the left pane displaying the Windows and Application tabs and the right pane featuring an empty space to display information or results from a given cleaning operation. The Analyze and Run Cleaner button are located beneath that space.

Figure 2: The Windows and Applications tabs with all options checked

Note: By using the following steps, you will delete temporary files for the items you have checked in both the Windows and Applications tabs. Given that different users have different programs installed on their computer, your own list of applications may vary somewhat from the example in Figure 2 above.

Step 3: Scroll down the Windows and Applications tabs and check all the options in the Advanced section too. As you check some of the options, a warning confirmation dialog box appears, explaining what each option will affect:

Figure 3: An example of a Warning confirmation dialog box

Note: Check all the options in the Windows and Applications tabs to enable a full and thorough cleaning of the temporary files. However, it is essential that you understand what kind of configurations and settings are being deleted.

Step 4. Click to generate and view a list of the different temporary files available for deletion.

Tip: Close all other programs before you begin the cleaning process. If you leave them open, CCleaner may not remove all the temporary files associated with those programs, and you may receive pop-up notices resembling Figure 4 below.

Figure 4: An example of a notice to close Firefox/Mozilla

Step 5. Click to continue listing the files for deletion.

Figure 5: An example of a list of temporary files for deletion

Note: CCleaner only deletes the temporary files generated whenever you use an application – and not the application itself. In Figure 5 for example, the Applications – Office 2003 program suite remains installed on the computer, but its temporary files have been deleted. However, to use CCleaner to uninstall a program, please refer to Advanced Options, FAQ and Review, section 5.1 How to Uninstall Programs Using CCleaner.

Step 6. Click to begin deleting these temporary files, and activate the following screen:

Figure 6: Confirmation dialog box

Step 7. Click to delete these temporary files as follows; after the deletion has been completed, the results displayed may resemble the following screen:

Figure 7: The file deletion results

You have now successfully deleted your temporary files from both the Windows and Applications tabs using CCleaner.