[RESOLVED] Unnecessary file formats

[dom_stapleton]

Hi guys, I'm in the process of making an application that scans all the folders on the computer for unnecessary files that can be deleted. So far it searches for the following extensions:

*.BAK
*.CHK
*.LOG
*.DMP
*.OLD
*.TMP
Thumbs.db

Are there any more suggestions?

Please note that my program doesn't search specific folders, like the Temp folder; it searches the whole computer.

[si_the_geek]

That's not a good idea.. some programs need files with those extensions in order to work.

Doing that for folders that you know about (like *.tmp files in VB project folders that are more than a week old) is fine, but doing it for every folder (or ignoring dates) is a really bad idea - you could cause some major damage.

As far as I know, deleting thumbs.db is OK, as it will simply be re-created as needed anyway (such as when you open that folder in Explorer).

[Hack]

Hi guys, I'm in the process of making an application that scans all the folders on the computer for unnecessary files

What would you define as "unnecessary"?

[RhinoBull]

I don't think it's a good idea - log, tmp and whatever can still be used by one of open programs including (but not limited to) windows services, etc...
I'd prefer system to "take care of that" by simply rebooting it or even cleaning up manually.

Just like Hack I am also interesting to know what's "unnecessary" mean...

[dom_stapleton]

Ok, you guys make a good point. I'm revising my program to follow the more traditional habit of only cleaning items from known locations, like the IE history folder and the Windows temp folder. I'm also hoping to add a feature that cleans MRU lists from the Registry and also allows users to create their own rules for the program. Any helpful comments or tips are appreciated.

[jmcilhinney]

Just to reinforce the points already made, the commercial POS application I create add-ins for creates database backups with a BAK extension by default. My customers would love you if you deleted all their database backups.

[dom_stapleton]

Point duly noted, jmcilhinney. You can be sure that my tail is well and truly between my legs.

I'm already well into making the new program but once again I've got side-tracked with the appearance of the program. I'm just having a few problems with cleaning certain system folders, like the History folder, for example. But I'll be sure to to post threads pleading for help with these soon...