Computer freezes when deleting temp. files

A friend of mine never deletes the contents of her temporary internet folder, and as a result, it now contains thousands of files. I've tried everything I can think of to delete the files, but the computer won't let me. If I use a program or try it in IE, it just hangs there and freezes up the program. If I use DOS prompt, it can't find any files in the directory (tried it with and without the /ah switch). Looking in the folder itself causes a hang up as well, and it won't let me delete the whole folder. What else can I do to make her web browser work more effeciently? She is using Windows XP Pro if it matters. Thanks!

Be patient. A full tempfiles can take many minutes to delete even on a fast computer.

http://download.com.com/3000-2094-1...tml?legacy=cnet
download adaware, run it then try to delete the files, sounds like something is in use.

So freezing is normal when deleting temp files? It never happens on the computers I use that delete temp files on a regular basis.

I downloaded AdWare Personal and I was able to find and delete a bunch of registry files, but couldn't find an option for deleting temp files. Where is that Known_criminal? Thanks.

I seldom delete temporary internet files, the last time I did on my laptop it took a couple minutes going from the IE Tools - Internet Options and clicking Delete Files. I don't think the mouse pointer was frozen though.

I just tried booting an XP Pro box into "Safe Mode - Command Prompt Only" but I couldn't even see the temporary internet files folder in this mode, under my login profile or any other profiles on the computer.

Are any clues recorded in the system event log?

depends on the temp files we are talking about, ie temp files, you can right click the ie icon go to properties, then delete files, check offline content if you want a good clean, windows temp, start, my computer, C drive, if that is your letter for the os, windows, you will have to show contents, if you have not been there before. then go to the temp folder delete whats there, might want to reboot if you have installed anything since the laste reboot before you delete the contents. if you show your hidden files and folders, you can go to the program files folder and emty out the windows update folder to, sometimes bad install or broken download files get stuck there, and that makes windows update have errors, sometimes, i try not to use cleaner programs, they corrupt a nt system nt4 2000 and xp, may not show up right away but usually causes some damage, norton system works, system mechanic, pc booster, ashampoo, are some of the ones i didnt like on these systems. ontrack system suite was ok, but still it's one of those things i dont feel comfortable with.

I'll try the safe mode thing and also check the log file. I think she has a bad hard drive. Thanks.

Okay, I was able to delete the files in safe mode (or so it told me), but in normal mode, the files are still there. So, I went into the Event Viewer and re-created the event. Here's the two errors that occured in the application part:

Hanging application iexplore.exe, version 6.0.2800.1106, hang module hungapp, version 0.0.0.0, hang address 0x00000000.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.
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Faulting application iexplore.exe, version 6.0.2800.1106, faulting module wininet.dll, version 6.0.2800.1106, fault address 0x00061470.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.
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In the system part:

The device, \Device\Harddisk0\D, has a bad block.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.

Of course, the Microsoft link was of no help. What should I do next? I defragmented the HD yesterday. Do I need Norton Utilities or something? Maybe a new HD? Thanks.

do not use norton system works on xp, speed disk could be the reason you are having trouble, it was not meant to be used on xp, 2003 says it is compatible, but is not as good as the onboard xp defrag, if you have been running norton system works, this could be why you have the problem

The error about the bad block usually means there is a hardware problem. Try running a thorough scandisk (this takes some time) and set it to automatically fix errors and keep your fingers crossed. Look back through your event logs and see if there is any pattern of errors that may help identify the cause.

Those errors seem to happen each time it hangs. I'm sure it's the HD too. The computer doesn't have any Norton products installed on it, so it's not that.

heres a tip that u can use if u have alot of temp files and dont clean it often

get ramdisk and install it. it will assign a certain amount of ram to a letter drive and u can store temporary files in the ramdrive. then each time ur comp reboots, ur ramdisk is cleared so no temp files.

exactly. when not clearing frequently, the folder gets really large and somtimes takes 10 mins to clear....

I use the good old dos program deltree to remove mine. It works well since it doesnt report and errors at all. deltree /y c:\windows\temp\*.* - kills all temp files that are not in use.