Disk Cleanup tool stops responding

Never had this problem and then one day I go to run Disk Cleanup and it gets to checking compressed files and just hangs. I tried to remove my .tmp files thinking that was it but still the same thing. I even started the computer in "safe" mode but still the same thing. I did a quick search and found this website that has a workaround. Just download the file, double click on it and then restart your system and everything works again.

Go to: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Scroll down to #48 and click on "Disk Cleanup - Compress Old Files Freezes" - you will download a file called deletecompressoldfiles.reg go ahead and double click on this file and then restart your system and it will take care of the changes for you.

For the in and outs of this problem check out Microsoft's tech article #812248

SYMPTOMS

When you try to compress old files, the Disk Cleanup tool may stop responding (hang) and you receive the following message:
 

Disk Cleanup is calculating how much space you will be able to free on (C:).
This may take a few minutes to complete.
Scanning: Compress old files

WORKAROUND

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
To work around this problem, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type regedit in the Open box, and then press ENTER.
  3. Locate, and then click the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VolumeCaches

  4. On the File menu, click Export, and then click Desktop, type VolumeCaches in the File name box, and then click Save.

    Note This step creates a backup of the VolumeCaches registry key. If you experience any problems after you complete the steps that are listed in this procedure, you can use this backup to restore the VolumeCaches key to its original state. To restore the key, double-click the VolumeCaches.reg file on your desktop, and then click Yes.
  5. Expand the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Volume Caches

  6. Delete the Compress old files registry key.
  7. Quit Registry Editor

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