Computer related question - disk clean up

[always quiet]

I run XP on my computer. For some odd reason, I can no longer get the disk clean up to work! I went through e machines on line tech support and after all their attempts failed, they told me I should reinstall windows xp, which would cause me to lose all data currently on my system! Well, this is NOT happening!! I was looking at McAffee and saw they sell a product called "Uninstall" which appears to do the same thing as disk clean up. It's only $9.95 and from where I sit....it would be a heck of a lot easier!! Does anyone here have any experience using this?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[jfulcer]

So why does the disk cleanup not work? We need a little more info to figure out what could be wrong...

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Jfulcer is right, it would be a mistake to use a utility before you know what is going on. If you can give some more info about what you are trying to do and what is going wrong we can help.

 

[always quiet]

Here's what I know. If I go into system tools and click on disk clean up, a little box appears and tells me it is checking the system....that's all it does. It used to check for a few minutes then tell me how much space I could free up, then I could tell it to do it. Now, it does nothing. E Machines tech support gave me instructions on how to "repair" xp, but it is asking for a code and a password. When I checked back with tech, they said the recovery console shouldn't be asking me that and told me to use the option to totally reinstall xp which would overwrite everything in my computer.....or use system restore and take it back to "out of the box". I REALLY don't want to do that!

Here's the info on the McAfee Uninstaller. Seems to do the same thing as Disk Clean Up does.

PCs can be packrats. They make temporary files, back ups, and cache... and save everything you ever downloaded. For example, have you ever downloaded the latest version of an Internet browser, only to have the last two versions stashed away on your hard drive? The problem is the more sophisticated programs get, the more disk space they demand. And the less you can afford to have a cluttered PC.

That's why it's essential to use McAfee UnInstaller. It makes cleaning unwanted PC files an easy job.

MAXIMIZE YOUR PC's PERFORMANCE

McAfee UnInstaller offers different levels of cleaning for every level of user — from computer beginners to serious PC junkies. With a simple click of the mouse, you can clean your system of recycle bin files and temporary files, altered shortcuts, lost file fragments, and other useless and unwanted files that hinder your computer’s efficiency.

RECLAIM VALUABLE SPACE

McAfee UnInstaller software reclaims valuable harddrive space by removing old programs quickly and easily. More importantly, it does this without deleting shared or critical files (as some programs do). Also, by freeing up valuable disk space, you can improve your PC’s performance and reduce your risk of computer crashes.

FEATURES

Advanced Cleaning allows you to identify and remove clutter such as duplicate files, useless entries in the Windows Registry, and unused files left behind by other applications.
Compressed back-up copies of removed programs ensure that you can return the application to a functioning state with just a few clicks.
Customized cleaning capabilities operate according to your criteria, allowing you to free up disk space in accordance with your level of experience.
Remove and archive options provide greater flexibility, allowing you to choose what you want to do with less-frequently-used applications.
An easy-to-configure interface makes reclaiming disk space more convenient than ever.
Windows XP support provides smooth, convenient operation with Microsoft’s latest and smartest Windows engine.
Online registration and support puts McAfee customer service at your fingertips, offering FAQs, tutorials, and superior technical support.
CLEAN OUT UNSIGHTLY INTERNET BUILDUP

Surfing the Web leaves a lot of clutter on your PC. McAfee UnInstaller software lets you clear out Internet clutter and other junk—unwanted downloads, histories, cookies, and cache—that build up from normal day-to-day use. System Requirements


Pentium 100MHz or higher processor
Microsoft ® Windows ® XP Home, XP Pro, 2000, 2000 Pro, NT 4 WS, Me, 98, 95b
16MB Hard disk space
32MB RAM
CD-ROM Drive
Internet Explorer 4.01, SP 2


Well, good idea or not?

 

[Gone Disney]

First off I'd ask at this message board
http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/
click on windows ** windowsxp ** the I'd go to performance and maintenance.

I run XP and have had these guys help me a few times.

As far as the McAfee Uninstaller goes I believe you have to have that installed BEFORE things go bad. I could be wrong but check and see if it uninstalls things that were installed before you installed it.


Besides if it were me I'd want to fix whatever was wrong instead of just passing over it for a quick fix. If not it could cause more problems later on. It's not working for a reason.


Good Luck. Let us know if you get it fixed.

Patti

 

[always quiet]

Bump......still not working!

 

[katerkat]

Whatever you do -- don't reinstall Windows. #&$^#*& Gateway tech Support had me do that, after I said I wanted to be able to recover my info (my whole computer crashed.) I asked Tech Gal, who checked with a case manager, and they said there was "no risk" -- after I couldn't find my stuff after the re-install, I call back and New Tech Guy said it was a 50-50 chance. That's close to no risk, right? So Gateway is paying for the restoration of my drive.

I don't have advice -- because if I was smart in computer matters, I wouldn't have believed the Tech Gal in the first place -- but definitely don't try re-installing Windows!

 

[Gone Disney]

Do not use tech support they are usually useless. Sorry to anyone here who may be a techie. I've never had success with calling in. I always go to forums who know from experience what they are dealing with. Like the people here at disboards really know their dis stuff

Try this thread.
http://forums.winoscentral.com/showthread.php?threadid=5391&highlight=disk+cleanup

I do not think it will help you though
You can ask on that board and see if they can help.

Good Luck.

 

[always quiet]

Ok, this is odd!

I went into the help topics preinstalled in the Help section. It said you could access the disk clean up by going to run....cleanmgr.exe then click enter. I did that and nothing happened. I wanted to make sure that the program was actually still IN there so I did a search. I found 4 of them...only one had the little clean up icon, so I clicked in...found properties and other info on it but no way to get it to run. I x-ed out of that screen...only to find disk clean up running! It said I could free up 37,000 something of space, clicked ok...and it worked!! I have no idea why it worked...only that it worked! Odd.

Believe me...I would never, unless the entire computer wouldn't operate, run restore. I had to run it once...right after I got it. XP was new and there was a huge conflict with the printer program and no matter how many times I told the computer to uninstall the program, it was still there! They assured me I wouldn't lose any saved emails or photos. Needless to say, I trusted them and lost everything! All they could tell me was 'sorry' real sarcasticly!

 

[katerkat]

Originally posted by always quiet
All they could tell me was 'sorry' real sarcasticly!

Ahh -- see, after the first couple of crashes, I learned. I have the tech's names and badge numbers, and Gateway got a letter from my lawyer. They stopped saying 'sorry' real quick!

 

[WebmasterAlex]

like you solved it! Just as a general rule the third party utility's like norton and mcaffe are not needed (except ant-virus!) They do more harm than good. Was your installation of XP an upgrade? I have seen it before where you can't get stuff to run from the icons, but you can get it to go from the command line.
Lastly don't lose a lot of sleep about "cleaning up" your disk etc unless you are running out of hard drive space.

 

[always quiet]

My computer (first one!) came preinstalled with XP...even before XP was "officially" launched. When I had the printer problems with compatibilty and called Microsoft, they told me they didn't support XP!! Since it wasn't officially launched, I had one heck of a time getting the bugs out!

When Verizon DSL recently offered MSN 8, I took the download since it offers parental controls and internet explorer doesn't. I had some problem with the computer going really slow after I installed it and when I called verizon, one of their tech people told me I had "too much" on my computer....I really should operate with more than 42% of free disk space. I have no clue whether it's true or not. Seems to be ok now, but I wanted to use disk clean up just to make sure I had all the old stuff cleared off my computer. Does the 42% free space that I have seem ok?

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Have you ever done the service pack on this computer? The service pack for XP has been out for a while now, it fixes lots of problems and is pretty stable.
42% is plenty for now!

 

[always quiet]

Yes, I did the service pack back in Jan/Feb I think (when I first got the dsl service). I was just on the windows update page to make sure all my stuff was up to date....there were a couple "recommended" updates which I took, but no crictial ones.