Question about internet options to delete history

[Curmudgeoness]

and temporary files. My computer has Windows xp. I did a "delete" on my IE toolbar and it ran through the process. Then I ran a Malwarebytes virus check. I did not have any virus, but I noticed that many of the files that were checked were ....democratic underground.... temporary internet files. Since I have deleted them, I can't understand why they were still there to be scanned.

Did I not properly delete the files, or is it not really possible to delete them? Is this option just there to make me feel good?

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[struggle4progress]

1. "delete" often simply means "remove the reference to the file from the table

listing all the files you want to be able to find" -- so the space may get marked "free" but the stuff is still there until it gets overwritten by something else

[Curmudgeoness]

2. Thanks. So does that mean that it is taking up space?

It took the virus scan several minutes to run through all those files that I don't need there---at least I don't think I need them there.

[CK_John]

3. Run Disk Cleanup in XP found in accessories->system tools. Make sure all boxes are checked.,

[Curmudgeoness]

6. That sounds easy enough.

I appreciate it. I have no need for all this crap staying on my computer.

[guardian]

4. Try these free cleaners.

I'm happy with them:

1. CCleaner: http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
2. SlimCleaner: http://slimcleaner.com/

[Curmudgeoness]

5. Thanks for the links.

With an older computer, I try to keep it as clean as I can without getting rid of things that I want. One of these days I will have to get a new computer, but not today.

[guardian]

7. Another one--DeCrapifier

use this one to easily check for and remove bloatware: DeCrapifier http://pcdecrapifier.com/

It is free and easy to use (and remove after using).

[Curmudgeoness]

8. Oh, I love that name!

Thanks.

[HopeHoops]

9. Empty the trash can first. "Deleting" doesn't do shit but mark the files for trash bait.

[Curmudgeoness]

10. Do you mean the recycle bin?

Nothing shows up in there and as far as all the places I have been on the internet, I have never seen anything in the recycle bin from there.

But I do realize that deleting doesn't do shit----after watching minutes go by with the scan going through DU crap that I would have expected to be gone when I did the delete. Gads, this is really scary to think that everything that I do is recorded here forever, and it is clogging up my computer. If a scan has to take time to look at it, it is weighing me down!

Forgive my computer ignorance in asking if you at talking about the recycle bin----I know just enough to figure out how to post here and play games. (Well, maybe not that bad, but as to the inner working----I am lost.)

[HopeHoops]

11. Sorry, Mac speak. Yes, the recycle bin. Clearing the browser cache will also help.