BleepingComputer.com: How can I make a folder that clears itself daily?

I'd like a temporary folder of sorts, in which i can put downloaded files that i dont want to keep, and will be deleted on shut down/boot-up of computer or on a schedule. Thanks!

Hmm...I have a general idea of how you'd do this. It might take a little effort, though.

There are command line parameters for making and deleting directories (aka folders).

md "C:\Users\Name\My Temp Folder"

to make the folder, and

rd "C:\Users\Name\My Temp Folder"

to remove the folder.

You can save these commands in a batch file, and set it to run at a certain time each day using the Task Scheduler (or even at log in of a user...there are a lot of triggers you can set).

Here is how to make a batch file:

Copy the first line of bold code I gave you above, substituting your username in for "Name" (if your name is Bob on the computer, put Bob there, etc..). Paste the command into Notepad and look at it to verify that it is correct. Save it as Make Directory.bat

Then, copy the second line of bold code and paste it into a new Notepad window. Once again, make sure everything is how you want it (it must have the same file location as before when you created it). Save this as Remove Directory.bat

Now, double-click the Make Directory file you just saved. Your new folder should appear wherever you chose to create it (if you set it to create in your user folder, like Bob, it will be there). Now try the Remove Directory batch file. The file should now disappear. Simply create 2 tasks in the Task Scheduler (one to create, one to remove) to run the tasks whenever you want them to run (daily, I assume). For example, assuming you already have the folder there, set the Remove Directory to run at a certain time before you shut off the computer, then set the Make Directory to run right after. That way, the folder is deleted, then recreated...essentially "clearing" it like you wanted.

How do you like that?

Or if youd like to keep the folder and not the files inside it'd look something like this
del c:\users\Name\desktop\temp\*.* /p
You can leave the switch off if you'd like for it to ask you for confirmation.

Or you can try CCleaner.

Thanks a lot both of you, thats exactly what i wanted.

You're welcome!

when i used

del "C:\Users\Jesse\Desktop\Daily Delete\*.*"

it worked, buy there was no way i tried it that worked with the /p switch. what am i doing wrong?

The /p toggles ON the prompt for confirmation. You don't need that. Just leave it off.

when i use the /p, it doesnt prompt me, but it doesnt delete anything either. without the /p, it prompts me, but it does delete the items if i say yes.

gorydragon, on Mar 20 2010, 11:11 AM, said:

Instead of /p try /q. Be careful though since this will delete blindly so make doubly sure your del command is correct!

it would just be

del C:\Users\Jesse\Desktop\Daily Delete\*.* /q

correct?

Yes.

that last bit has been working great everyone, thanks a lot.
the only thing i noticed is it only deletes files, if i put a folder of files in it it doesnt delete the folder or its contents.
i tried a second line like this

del C:\Users\Jesse\Desktop\Daily Delete\*\*.* /q

but it didnt work. can i do something else like this?

To delete a folder you need to use the rmdir or rd command. Your 2nd line should be: rd C:\Users\Jesse\Desktop\Daily Delete /q
That will delete the Daily Delete folder.

Isn't that what I said in my first reply...?

Create the folder with the batch file...delete the folder with the batch file. No need for switches, asterisks, etc...to pick up every file extension and/or directory.

Use this to get rid of the folder :
RD /S /Q C:\Users\Jesse\Desktop\Daily Delete

Use this to create it again:
MD C:\Users\Jesse\Desktop\Daily Delete

How to run the batch files at startup/shutdown :
Run gpedit.msc, goto Settings > Windows Settings > Scripts > Shutdown/Startup
Add the script files.