Computer question

[LouAvul]

I periodically clear out my cache w/the control panel> internet options> internet properties> delete function. (Windows XP)

I installed/downloaded Avast free and subsequently (but not necessarily related to) the download, when I clear out my cache, the "deleting temporary internet files" just runs ........... forever. And when I try to cancel, it gives, "this program not responding," etc.

At first I thought I might have some malware so I downloaded adaware. It found 3 such objects, but the "removing temporary internet files" still runs way too long.

Any advice (besides going w/linux or mac)?

[Hodar]

Make your cache size smaller. You can run it down closer to the 50Meg size - bear in mind that 50 MB contains lots and lots of small files - you aren’t dumping a single big file, but gazillions of itty-bitty files.

[JoeProBono]

http://www.ccleaner.com/

[KSCITYBOY]

bump for use later

[AFreeBird]

I would suggest going with Firefox browser. Clearing cache is in the tools menu for clearing recent history (you can define what is cleared)

In any event, it should not take that long to clear cache. Windows might be wanting to move it to trash.

[browardchad]

I was just going to suggest that. I have FF, XP and Avast, and CCCleaner works great. (And it’s free.)

[ComputerGuy]

Get a Mac. iGore is on the board of directors. He knows a lot.

[OldDeckHand]

Mmmm, it sounds like an OS problem, and not a browser problem. Although you didn't say, I'm assuming that you're freeing up space by using the "tools" function in Windows for your harddrive, and not clearing your cache directly from Explorer (as is possible).

You can also run into some of these problems when you have very limited space on your physical drive. If you can tell us how big your HD is, it would be helpful.

[Lmo56]

Depends on what you mean by “periodically” and what the content of the cache is ...

If you look at a lot of video content, its gonna take longer since you are gonna have 10’s, if not 100’s of MBs of video in the Internet Temporary files, takes longer ...

As for “periodically”, I would recommend daily - and there is an easier way to do it ...

In IE 8, there is a link in the gray area labelled “Safety”. Click that and a drop down box will open. Choose your options (I would suggest selecting all but the first one). This will clear temporary files, add-ons, history, etc.

This should only take 1-2 minutes MAX!

Also, you can download a free cleaner called CCleaner - works great. It will clean not only your temporary files, but also uneeded files associated with other programs. I have never had a problem with it. It also cleans out your registry.

What I normally do is clean out using IE 8, followed by CCleaner (including the registry), followed by MS Disk Cleanup under System Tools [Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Cleanup]. Let Disk Cleanup run and then click the More Options Tab. At the bottom, click “Clean Up” under System Restore - then, Click OK at the bottom after Clean up finishes (after about 30 secs). Disk Cleanup will then compact any leftover files.

Hope this helps ...

[JimWayne]

I used to have the same problem until I set my cache size to 0.

[JimVT]

I use CCcleaner every day.

It’s a one or two click job.

See link above.

[alexandria]

Any advice (besides going w/Linux or mac)?

Go to http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/ and click on the download link to install the Firefox browser.

[McGruff]

Make your cache size smaller. You can run it down closer to the 50Meg size...

Good advice there. Windows allocates like 12% of your disk space to cache unless you set it. And this is duplicated for each user on the puter.

[etcetera]

Boot into “Safe Mode” (hit F8 key as PC starts, once second).
Log in as :Administrator”.
Right click on START button, select and open Explorer.
Windows Explorer will by default open into the Administrator’s profile. Close this and open your normal profile (the name you usually log in as).
Under your profile name, check the folowing directories and delete all items, including system files and folders:
COOKIES
LOCAL SETTINGS/TEMP
LOCAl SETTINGS/TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES
Then leave the profiles folders, and go to the C:\WINDOWS folder. Under WINDOWS, find the TEMP folder and delete all items from it.
Before exiting, make sure you empty your RECYCLE BIN.
You may want to DEFRAGMENT your hard drive.
Reboot normally.

[AFreeBird]

I'd just open up the browser cache directory in the file manager, select all files and press DELETE.

Works every time, and doesn't require some unknown software. But as I mentioned earlier, FF has a cache clearing option built in. No need to leave the program.

[Defiant]

Switch to Microsoft Security Essentials. It’s free and good, and I have had no problems. Don’t have to keep registering like I had to do with Avast.

[JimVT]

Well...whatever works.

The thing with CC is it allows you several options of what or what not to delete.....and it’s a free download.

[Constitution Day]

It's QUESTION TIME!

[martin_fierro]

[ShadowAce]