Disk Clean Up - Compressed Files

Hi all - we have a question today from Lynette

Hello Matt

Thanks for the info (Photos at Kids Parties)

I did a “clean disk” one of the things that came up was “compressed files” can you tell me what these are before I delete them?

Many thanks

Lynette

What Lynette is referring to is a "Disk Cleanup"

Most of us are familiar with a "zip" file as a way of compressing a file or group of files in size by effectively removing the unused space from the file. A compressed file is the same sort of thing

By selecting the "Compress Old Files" option in the Windows XP Disk Cleanup it saves space on your disk by reducing the size of files you don't use very often - it doesn't delete them. Typically the files compressed are rarely used windows system files, not your letters or spreadsheets.

In my opinion it is always safe to use this option. It will save you space and at worst it will slow you down a little in future accessing those files IF you ever use them.

For more information on all the options in a Disk Cleanup refer to the following site

The Elder Geek

While you are there check out the Elder Geek Site - it has a lot of information and an excellent reputation on the net