Clear the Temporary Internet Files using the Windows XP Disk Cleanup utility

Clearing the Temporary Internet Files is one of the most frequent tasks than anything else, for most users. This article explains you how to clear the Temporary Internet Files using the Disk Cleanup utility, Automate the cleanup task, and explains you how to add a cleanup button to the Internet Explorer standard toolbar for people who need to clear the Temporary Internet Files cache very frequently.

NOTE The method described in this article will not clear the _entire_ contents of the CONTENT.IE5 and it's sub-folders. CONTENT.IE5 contains sub-folders which store the offline content, such as the temporary files generated by Help and Support Center / Outlook Express or other products. Those offline files are not cleared by Disk Cleanup. If you want to clear the CONTENT.IE5 completely, including the zero byte files, you'll need to use the Internet Options applet in the Control Panel. Be sure to put a checkmark near Delete all offline content.


The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk by searching your disk for files that you can safely delete. You can choose to delete some or all of the files. Use Disk Cleanup to perform any of the following tasks to free up space on your hard disk:

Remove temporary Internet files.
Remove downloaded program files .
Empty the Recycle Bin.
Remove Windows temporary files.
Remove optional Windows components that you are not using.

To clear the Temporary Internet Files cache using Disk Cleanup utility

Click Start, and then click Run. Type cleanmgr, and then click OK.
Select the drive-letter for the current Windows installation and then click OK
Select Temporary Internet Files from the list.
Uncheck all the other entries and click OK.
Click Yes to confirm deletion.

The Temporary Internet Files cache is now cleared.