Computer memory help?

Question

Okay. So I want to delete some stuff off of my computer to free up space, but I don't know if deleting it would actually end up hurting my computer.

1. What are "debug dump files" and is it okay to delete them? 2. What are "system error memory dump files" and is it okay to delete?
3. What are "system error minidump files" and are they okay to delete too?
4. Does it take up memory on the computer to make backup files?

If you can't answer all the questions that's okay, I'm judging quality. Also if there are any websites that are good for learning computer information other than microsoft.com that would be great

Answer 1

Rather than risk deleting something important, I'd suggest using Windows built in disk clean-up utility.



It can be found under programs, accessories, system utilities. This will go through and remove files that the OS knows are safe to remove. You can also remove all but the most recent Windows restore point using the disk clean up utility.



1 & 2. Basically these are files containing information about programs that the Operating system is keeping an eye on and a list of processes that were running when the program encountered an error.



3. This is a brief overview of the computer when it encountered a problem that forced it to shut down.



4. Yes backup files take of hard drive space (or memory as you call it).



Basically I wouldn't bother manually deleting those files, (or any files from the Windows directory) since doing so may adversely affect your machine. Its better to free up hard drive space using the disk cleanup tool and/or burning backups of your data to DVD/CD and then deleting the original.

Answer 2

It is safe to delete the Debug Dump files. They are uuseless infformation to the average user. Another good way to free up disk space is to delete the Prefetch files, but you need to stop them coming back again. To do so you need to edit the registry as follows ...



Prefetching (the reading of system boot files into a cache for faster loading) is

a commonly overlooked component that can have a significant impact on

system boot time. This tweak allows you to select which components will

make use of the prefetch parameters. To see which files are gathered using

each setting, clear the prefetch cache located at C:\Windows\Prefetch and

then enable one of the settings listed in this hack. Clear the cache and repeat

for each setting.

Set the Registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\

Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters\EnablePrefetcher

to 0 to disable prefetching, 1 to prefetch application launch files, 2 to

prefetch boot files, or 3 to prefetch as many files as possible.





You asked where to learn about computer related stuff, a good place to go is Techrepublic.com



It is free to register and a good read in the forums there where people can post questions about computer problems and others post solutions to those problems. They also have

Answer 3

U can safely delete all the files u mentioned. Yes back up can take lots of space especially if u do a full back up of ur hardrive. I just purchased a seagate 350gig.external hardrive just for backup purpose. Even system restore eventually can take up a lot of space depending on how much space u allow it to use. GO to add or remove programs and remove any programs u don't use, then run disc cleapup and disc defragmenter restart and see if it runs any better.These files u are asking about really don't take up much space it's programs that use the space especially word, excell,works, saving pictures, movies, music, ets. Movies take the most.

Answer 4

1) If you no longer need to debug the programs that ran then yes its okay.

2) Same as above

3) Same as above the above

4) Yes unless you have an external hard drive. I would seriously consider getting one and putting your music and your backups on them. There fastish and cheap.

Answer 5

I would suggest you invest in Norton System Works. It has a lot of tools to optimize the performance of your system, including programs to sweep through and delete files that are not necessary. It also has disk optimizing software to speed the efficiency of your disk, and you can usually bundle it with a firewall and internet protection.



Norton provides a lot of cool tools that will allow you to do what you want, safely.