March 28 2005
Q: I have numerous work files (spreadsheets, documents, presentations, etc.) scattered on my hard drive.  How can I scan my entire computer and identify all my work files so I can delete the ones I no longer use?
A: You can use the Search feature in Windows to find your files, then delete the ones you no longer need. Here's how:
-In Windows XP
1. Start (button) > Search
-This opens Windows Search feature
-Under the section that says ‘What do you want to search for?
2. Click ‘Documents (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.)’
-Under ‘Search by any or all of the criteria below’
3. Click ‘Don’t remember’
4. Click the ‘Search’ button
-All your documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc are displayed
-The results may take a few moments depending on your computer’s processor, and/or the amount of RAM memory your computer has.

Step 2-Organize the way the Files are displayed
-In the window that is displaying your Files
1. View > Details
2. Arrange Icons by > Modified
-This arranges the Files according to when they were last modified.
-This arrangement organizes all your Files according to when they were last changed.
 
Step 3-Keep or delete?
-Don’t know what a File contains? - Just double click on it to see what is inside.
-Ready to delete a File? - Just right click on the File name icon then select ‘Delete’ from the Pointer Menu.