The first time that you use the QuickClean tool, you can select the items that you want to clean, or simply accept the default selections. Once you set it up, the tool saves your settings so that any time you want to clean your PC, you can do so quickly.
Before the QuickClean tool starts cleaning your PC, you can preview which items will be removed from each location on your PC. If you see an item that you want to keep, you can change your settings. After the tool is finished cleaning your PC, you can view a summary that lists how many items were cleaned from each location. If an item cannot be cleaned, it is also listed in the summary.
You can set a schedule to clean your PC automatically at a time that is convenient for you. You can choose a preset schedule or create your own. When you create a schedule, you decide the date and frequency that the tool runs on your PC. For example, you can schedule the tool to clean your Recycle Bin every Sunday at 9:00 PM.
You can clean these items:
| Select... | To clean... | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycle Bin | Files in the Recycle Bin. | ||
| Shortcuts | Broken shortcuts that do not have a program associated with them. | ||
| Temporary files | Files stored in temporary folders. | ||
| Windows history | Files in the Recent Documents folder of the user logged in to Windows. | ||
| Lost file fragments | File fragments on your PC. | ||
| Active-X controls |
Active-X controls that are no longer used. Active-X is a software component that adds functionality to a program or web page. Most Active-X controls are harmless; however, some might capture information from your PC. |
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| Registry |
Registry information in Microsoft Windows for programs that no longer exist on your PC. The registry is a database where Windows stores its configuration information. It contains profiles for each PC user and information about system hardware, installed programs, and property settings. Windows continually references this information during its operation. |
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| Jump lists |
Jump lists that you no longer use. Jump lists take you to documents, songs, or websites you access frequently.
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| Flash Cookies |
Files that are usually stored as temporary files when you visit websites that use a flash player to play media files. Flash cookies store more information than a regular cookie and can be used by websites to collect information about your web browsing history. |
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| Cookies |
Files that are usually stored as temporary files when you use Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari web browsers. A cookie is a small file that contains information, including a user name and the current date and time, which is stored on the PC of a person browsing the web. Cookies are used primarily by websites to identify users who have previously registered on or visited the site; however, they can also be a source of information for hackers. |
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| Cache |
Cached files that accumulate as you browse web pages using Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari web browsers. These files are usually stored as temporary files in a cache folder. A cache folder is a temporary storage area on your PC. To increase web browsing speed and efficiency, your browser can retrieve a web page from its cache (rather than from over the Internet) the next time you want to view it. |
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| History | Browser information that accumulates as you use Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari web browsers. | ||
| Deleted items (in your email) | Deleted email from Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, or Windows Mail. | ||
| Sent items (in your email) | Sent email from Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, or Windows Mail. |
