by: Robert J Farey

When you uninstall an item of software, there are generally a number of redundant files left behind to clutter up your hard drive.

Over the course of a year or two they can be using valuable hard drive space that would be better reserved for more important things.

These files are backups that are generated when software is installed, the reason is not important. All that we need to know is that when the software is un-installed they are no longer required.

To remove them and free up drive space is a simple procedure.

If you are using Windows 98 - ME - or 2000.

Click on Start>Search>For files or folders.

Enter your search criteria in this case it is .bak (don't forget the dot before bak)

Click on the ‘Find now' button.

When the search is finished you should see a number of .bak files in the results window.

Look carefully for any files marked as ‘Config.bak' or ‘System.bak' It is not advisable to erase these files unless you know what you are doing.

It is now safe to erase the remaining files using your right mouse button and ‘Delete'.

If you are using Windows XP.

Click start>search.

Click ‘Documents'

Enter ‘bak' in the search field.

Click ‘search'.

When the matches appear in the results window, as above look out for ‘Config.bak' and ‘System.bak' files. The remainder may be safely deleted.

Don't be scared of your computer. You are in charge.

All the best. Bob...