Data Protection Before C Drive Cleanup
Create a restore point, back up Desktop/Documents, and review the list before deleting.
Prep the safety net so you can roll back if needed.
- Restore point: run as admin
Checkpoint-Computer -Description "before-c-clean". - Backups: zip Desktop, Documents, and repos to D: or cloud; keep IDs/keys in two extra copies.
- Preview: enable preview/dry-run in tools to confirm paths and sizes.
- Close locks: exit browsers/games/IDEs to avoid locked files.
- Power/network: plug in laptops; disconnect network if needed to stop new caches mid-clean.
- Comms: on work PCs, notify teammates/IT to avoid deleting shared files.
Good prep makes cleanup feel safe.
Backup approach
- 3 copies rule: local, portable drive, and cloud.
- Beyond restore points, create a system image/third-party snapshot to roll back to “last night.”
Friendly reminder
Tell parents to back up WeChat/QQ folders before cleaning—losing chats is painful.
Physical backup
Print or photo important IDs; keep digital + paper copies so cleanup can’t wipe them.
Mindset
Spend 5 minutes listing “must not lose” folders—writing it down steadies your hand.
If you can, keep a NAS—copy data offline anytime, making cleanup stress-free.
Further reading
More Posts
Settings to Avoid Accidental Deletion on C Drive
Use whitelists and pre-delete prompts to avoid mistakes, and log actions for easy traceability.
Lightweight Command-Line C Drive Cleanup
A set of light command-line actions for remote/batch cleanup, with admin reminders.
C Drive Cache and Temp Cleanup Guide
Cover Temp and log leftovers, selectively clear browser caches, and clean regularly to keep performance steady.
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