Readers Questions. 

IF01689 

Q.  Can I safely remove these files with Norton System Works?  If so, would I have to update the system registry?

I have a product called Norton System Works, and it has a feature called One Button Checkup. This feature scans my PC looking for errors, and corrects them.  One of the things it looks for is temporary files.

Lately, when I run the scan, 43 temporary files are found to have problems.  System Works tries to correct them, but always fails.  I should note that I am experiencing no problems with my PC, so I'm assuming these 43 files don't really do much.  But since I'm an anal type of guy, I'd like to correct them or get rid of them.  I know the exact location and name of all 43 files.

Most of these files are in C:\Documents and Settings\<my user name>\Local Settings\Temp\ISTMP1.DIR\ISTMP0.DIR.

Three of them are in C:\Documents and Settings\<my user name>\Local Settings\Temp
Four more are in C:\Windows\Temp   Can I safely remove these files?  If so, would I have to update the system registry?  Or should I just leave well enough alone?

A.  You can safely remove all files from each of these directories.  These directories are simply used to hold files for programs that are running.  Sometimes, when programs finish, they neglect to clean up these files and that can start filling up your hard drive.  Also, sometimes malicious software runs out of the temp folders.  If you get an error when trying to remove a file, that means that of the currently running processes is using that file.  If that happens, just skip the file(s) and delete the rest.  There is no need to update the registry when dealing with temp files.

Let me know if you need anything else.

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