Windows XP generates a lot of Temporary files which are saved in the C:\Documents and Settings\<YOUR_USERNAME>\Local Settings\Temp folder. These files eat up a lot of your precious drive space and might need regular cleaning to free up space and also to speed up your computer.

You can go to the above folder in Windows Explorer and select all files and delete them without any fear. Here is a shortcut to reach the above folder.

1. Click Start.
   
2. Click Run.
   
3. Type %TEMP% in the Open input box and hit Enter. The above folder will open in a new Windows Explorer window.
   
4. Press CTRL+A keys together on your keyboard to select all files in the folder.
   
5. Press Shift+Delete keys together on your keyboard to delete all the files permanently. If you want to move the files to the Recycle Bin before deleting them permanently then just press the Delete button.

Note: By default Windows XP is installed on C: but if you have dual booting then you might need to replace C: with the respective drive letter of your Windows XP installation.

Windows XP Pro Users

If you're using Windows XP Pro, you can make use of the Group Policy Editor to automatically delete temporary files from the Temp folder as soon as their work is done. To do this:

1. Click Start
   
2. Click Run
   
3. Type gpedit.msc in the Open input box and hit Enter.
   
4. Select Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Terminal Services/Temporary Folder
   
5. Right click Do Not Delete Temp Folder Upon Exit
   
6. Go to Properties and hit Disable

Now the next time Windows puts a temporary file in the Temp folder, it will automatically delete it when its done!