Cookies and Windows Temp files

You can delete cookies and temp files. Cookies are sometimes usefull. If you remove them you get them sooner or later again...

Check out index.dat in the temporary folder. Copy it some where else and open it for example in wordpad. It contains some interresting info (public machines can be used for anything).

The deletion of temp-files isn't hazardeous, as long as you aren't installing software in the meantime. (A setup-wizard copies its files for the installation in the Temp-directory.)
If you look under Programs-Accessories-System Tools, you'll noticea "Disk Cleanup"
It's the most legit way to delete your temporary (internet)files without any consequences.
Cookies - o.t.o.h. - sometimes contain valuable information like username and password for a site. For instance, if you click on the "Edit my account"-link on the top-left of this screen in techrepublic, you can enable an option for your computer to remember your username and password to log
on to this site. If you delete the Techrepublic-cookie, there's no harm done. But it's not advisable to do so.
I hope that this explanation brings you any further. If you still have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Regards,
T[X]A
U.H.D.-Engineer

I disable the use of cookies on my machines and prompt to save only a select few. Depending on the version and brand browser you use its different. In IE5 go to tools\internet options\security tab and select the Internet and custom. scroll through there and you will find the cookie setting features.

The cookies allow you to aotucomplete forms and establish personalized setting for a site. deteting them will cause you to lose those personalized setting for that site.

As for temp files I have a script that runs on boot that I use to correct issues and maintain the system integrity. It clears the temp files on boot amongst other things. If the PC reboots incorrectly and windows leaves files out there, those files sometimes cause problems on windows start. This script ensures that they are cleared.

As part of a good preventive maintenance effort and a solid administration plan you should have such a script on boot.