[SOLVED] Can temporary files produce issues besides taking up space?

[Rodion15]

I had the assumption that clearing the temp folders (c:\Windows\temp and the appdata temp folder) can fix issues such as a computer running slow, a printer not working properly and other software issues. In fact it's part of my troubleshooting when I experience this issues:

My typical cleanup includes: Clear the 2 temp folders > CCleaner > Glarys Utilities > Malwarebytes > reboot the computer

I'd like to hear opinions on this. How can temp files do anything more than take up needed space?
Can the operating system use temp files from previous sessions?

Any help much welcome.

 

[COLGeek]

Taking up space is a concern (especially on a system nearing its storage capacity). You can also accumulate tracking cookies and malware.

 

[Rodion15]

Taking up space is a concern (especially on a system nearing its storage capacity). You can also accumulate tracking cookies and malware.

..you mean on the two temp folders?

 

[COLGeek]

..you mean on the two temp folders?

Your system has multiple "temp" folders, including the ones associated with Windows. Each browser will have "temp" folders. Anywhere where you download content can accumulate things you don't want.

 

[Rodion15]

Your system has multiple "temp" folders, including the ones associated with Windows. Each browser will have "temp" folders. Anywhere where you download content can accumulate things you don't want.

Thank you. It seems clear then that the two main temp folders mentioned won't do any more harm than take up space.

 

[COLGeek]

Thank you. It seems clear then that the two main temp folders mentioned won't do any more harm than take up space.

I would agree in most cases. However, if you dabble in questionable software installations, you can get infected via the temp/download/installation process(es).

 

[howtobeironic]

If you are interested about the virii that bases up in the temp folder, one of the most renowned of these is the USB shortcut virus that replaces all the files with shortcuts that'd infect the victim PC once ran. Nasty thing can't usually be wiped out using normal AV's, you'd either need a aggressive one such as ComboFix or wipe a few registry keys and the whole temp folder clean. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/remove-shortcut-virus/