T42 Disk Cleanup - save 2+ GB w/'compress old files'??

[DaveG11th]

ThinkPad newbie... with a new-to-me used TP42, built Nov or Dec 2005

Exploring my C: drive properties, Disk Cleanup lists one startling item, "Compress old files," that purportedly will free up 2,269,959 KB of disk space.

Background:
The unit looks new. Software listings in Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs has a bunch of IBM and Microsoft goodies that were last used in Feb, 2006, suggesting that the machine was purchased, used for 2 months, then mothballed (corporate downsizing? Don't know).

So....
Do I compress these "old" files, many of which might be IBM utilities and/or big chunks of the pre-loaded Microsoft Office?

Or should I pass on this opportunity?

[tim S]

'Compress files' is usually for those who are running out of space on their hard drive. The caveat is that if you are running out of space, then uncompressing these files will probably overwrite other files on the drive and corrupt it!
If you have enough space, then leave well enough alone is my advice.
Tim S

[pianowizard]

Don't do it. If you need to free up more HDD space, download freeware ccleaner from ccleaner.com instead. It works much better Windows' Disk Cleanup.

[DaveG11th]

Yep, your 2 replies fit my instincts here - I'll let this opportunity slide past. I still have 40 gig left on the 60 gig drive...

[jdhurst]

The only two things I leave out of Windows Disk Cleanup are: (1) Compress files (the reasons given here are good); and (2) Office setup files (keep them to avoid inserting the office CD every time you update). Otherwise Disk Cleanup does a worthwhile job.
... JDH