<font face="comic sans ms" color="#577ac6">I realize that this has been marked as Solved, but Id like to expand on it, if I may.
I hope no one minds.
Deleting files from the Temporary Internet Files folder, is different than deleting *.tmp files.
The Temporary Internet Files folder is a cache a storage area that contains files from previously visited web pages.
Some programs create specific temporary folders for temporary files, and some programs are a bit sloppier.
The Temporary Internet Files folder is a specific folder for temporary files.
These files have extensions such as *.htm, *.gif, *.css, and *.mid, which are the individual source files, images, and sounds that youve encountered on each page on the Web.
The idea of caching these pages is this: If youve got everything stored on your computer already, the process of bringing up a recently visited web page goes faster, in which case, you wont have to re-download everything all over again.
But, as davey says, a lot of web pages frequently change, and the savings are lost.
Besides, these files can accumulate, and this in itself will slow browsing and computer performance.
*.tmp files are generated from program odds and ends, improperly closed applications, and backup copies of files.
For example, if you create a document and save it, it is the original document.
If you go back and make changes to the original document, a new *.tmp file is created to reflect those changes.
If you save the changes, the original document is discarded, and the new *.tmp file replaces it as the original.
*.tmp files are also created as a protection mechanism, in case a malfunction occurs during the saving and/or updating procedure.
*.tmp files dont always delete themselves, such as in the case of an improperly closed program.
I had a teacher once that absolutely insisted we go to
File >
Close to close a file, and then to
File >
Exit to close a program, where applicable, and whenever possible.
Merely clicking the
X at the top right corner may be instrumental in creating a lingering *.tmp file, as well as being responsible for other harms and evils, according to my teacher.
*.tmp files are okay to delete, like SavvyLady says here, and they do tend to accumulate over time, taking up space and slowing your computer down, as beach51 reminds us.
However, it may be best to delete *.tmp files that were created prior to the day of deletion, while some may still be <i>in</i> use or <i>of</i> use.
I also delete files beginning with a tilde (~*.*), which are produced by open MS Office applications and other running programs.
Most disappear after the program is closed, but sometimes a few ~*.* files may be left behind.
Just be sure to close all programs first, before deleting these types of files.
Other safe file deletions include cookies (passed out freely at web sites in order to place a name to your face), *.chk files (spawns of ScanDisk logs), history files (which provide an easy way to get back to where youve been), *.zip files (unnecessary once unzipped), and files left in the Recycle Bin (your business, not mine).
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