I have a lot of folders on my computer that I have no idea what they are. A lot of them are empty while others have one or two files in them. I've noticed a lot of .log files too. I'm guessing that most of these are temporary files and such? It's getting annoying because of the clutter and I don't know what to do about it? Is there a certain way I should file all of this? There are even files in my documents that I have no idea what they are. I'm not the only person who uses this computer if that matters. Any help is greatly appreciated!

What are the names of the folders and/or files ???? Give some examples. Do you check for, and remove, Spyware ?? Spyware includes ---- Adware, Dialers, Browser Hijackers, Trojans, Cookies, Key Loggers, Trackware, and other Malware while browsing the internet. Most Virus and Spyware scans are likely to work better in Windows Safe-Mode.

I only use AVG free... I'm sure this is not so good. I also noticed I have weird shortcuts in places... like in my Docs and settings there is a shortcut to my c:/ now. I have a lot less free space on my hdd since yesterday as well. One of the folders is named EDWardO? Other files include: data, dvdpath.txt, spider.sav, .dat files, .lst, etc... They're all in seemingly random places. I have no idea what they are. Also, when I search for files, there are tons of files saved from online browsing(some I don't remember seeing, some I do) like .wav files, .jpg(buttons, random pictures), firefox stuff? Hope this makes sense... What's the best thing to use to check and get rid of spyware/viruses? Thanks for any help with this.

My suggestion would be to leave them alone. If you are going to mess with them do so only have a full test backup. You should limit yourself to running Disk Cleanup and Defrag. This will keep your system clear of temp files and optimize the file structure. McCain: steal from the poor/middle class and give to the rich. Obama: steal from the rich and give to the poor/middle class. Go Obama!

I'm not the only person who uses this computer if that matters. That matters. Particularlly if they are logging on to your User Account in XP. Other persons should have their own account.

Use http://www.cleaner.com to clean up the temp files. Use http://www.malwarebyte.org to clean up nasties which AVG does not find.