Move the Temporary Files Folder

Almost all of Windows applications make its temporary file every time it runs. By default, Windows XP puts temporary files in C:\Document and Settings\Account_name\Local Settings\Temp\ folder. So, if your account name is Edi, it means your temporary files is saved in C:\Document and Settings\Edi\Local Settings\Temp\ or you can enter %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temp\ in Run box or Windows Explorer address bar. And have you know, that you can move your temporary files onto other location.

And here is the way:

  1. The first step, create your new folder where you will put the temporary files. Because Windows XP can’t create it automatically. For example, you want to move them to C:\Temp\ folder.
    Create temp folder
  2. Open Control Panel and then double click System icon.
    Duoble click System icon
  3. In System Properties window, click Advanced tab.
    Click Advanced tab
  4. Then click Environment Variables button.
    Click Environment Variables button
  5. You can look your Windows variables here. You’ll see your TEMP variables setting at above list, click TEMP variable and then click Edit button.
    Environment Variables appearance
  6. Replace the original value (%USERPROFILE\Local Settings\Temp)
    Original value
    with C:\Temp then click OK button.
    A new value
  7. Then apply the 6th step to TMP variable. Do it in the same way. If you do it right, you’ll get appearance in Environment Variables form like this.
    Final appearance
  8. Click OK button to close Environment Variables window.
  9. Now your temporary files put in C:\Temp folder.

(article no:0150)

Leave a Comment