The following are cleanup procedures for the removal of internet file buildup (cookies, temporary files, SSL Slate, History, etc…) through Internet Explorer and the removal of other Cached files with the use of Windows Disk Cleanup. It is our belief that most users, because of the nature of our topic (computer maintenance at a beginner level), will be using the latest version of Microsoft™ Windows XP® and the accompanying web browser Internet Explorer 6.0®. Therefore, the procedures are based upon commands that would be found on this operating system and program respectively.

Removing Internet File Buildup:

1.) Open Internet Explorer 6.0® by clicking the blue “e” icon on your desktop or by clicking “Start”, “All Programs”, “Internet Explorer”.

2.) In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, select “Tools”, and then select “Internet Options…” from the bottom of the menu or type “Alt”, “t”, “o”.

The following window should appear:

3.) Most websites incorporate the use of “cookies” to store information about the visitors to the site. However, these files are of no particular use to you and can be removed. From this window click the “Delete Cookies…” button under the heading “Temporary Internet Files”.

a. A standard Windows™ warning will ask you if you are certain you want to do this.

b. Select “OK” or type “Enter”.

4.) When you visit a website, Internet Explorer® automatically downloads copies of all images and other files to your hard drive in order to save time if you decide to return to the same website later. From the same Internet Options window you will now select the “Delete Files…” button under the same heading “Temporary Internet Files”.

c. A standard Windows™ warning will ask you if you are certain you want to do this.

d. Check the box beside “Delete all offline content” and then click “OK”; alternatively, type “space”, then “Enter” to do the same thing using the keyboard.

5.) To allow the user to return to previously visited websites, Internet Explorer® stores a list of these sites in a “History” folder. If you do not use this feature, or prefer to save hard drive space by not storing as many websites then select the “Clear History” button under the “History” heading. You may also type “h” as long as the Internet Options Window is still active.

e. A standard Windows™ warning will ask you if you are certain you want to do this.

f. Click “Yes”, type “y”, or navigate with the left arrow key to “Yes” and type “Enter”.

6.) Congratulations! You have now removed internet clutter from your computer.