How to remove rubbish files?

[norcal618]

I've been working with the nexus 7 for about two weeks. I'm new to android and still in the process of learning. Back when I first got my N7 I had found an option to remove rubbish files. I selected the option and the Tablet responded that there were no such files at that time. Now that I have installed and uninstalled several apps I would like to run this option again. Only problem is I cannot remember where I found the option. Can someone please direct me? 

[Drew]

To delete the app "short cut", long press on icon and drag to "remove" on top of screen.

To remove entire app, go to settings, apps, press on app name and then uninstall.

[norcal618]

To delete the app "short cut", long press on icon and drag to "remove" on top of screen.

To remove entire app, go to settings, apps, press on app name and then uninstall.

I know how to delete app shortcuts and apps. My question is how do I clean out rubbish files and folders. I found a simple option allowing me to do that and I cannot remember how to access this option.

[Drew]

Oops, sorry, misread question.  Go to settings, storage, press on category and delete file there.  I use Astro app to manage and delete files on my N 7.  Hope that helps!

[birdastrompgman]

It's more complicated than that.  Uninstalling from the app menu often leaves directories and files, often at lower (nearer root) levels invisible to the unrooted user.

See the following screen captures.  One shows the lower level junk left by a slot machine program, all below the visible level of the unrooted user.  The other two show what was left after uninstalling an astronomy program (sky safari).  The ./sdcard path is visible to the unrooted user.  The other path isn't.  Both contained three additional directories with additional contents.

[birdastrompgman]

Norcal, are you rooted?  I uninstalled the apps, used root manager, searched (from root) for "slot" and "safari," selected what I didn't want, and deleted the rubbish.

[norcal618]

It's more complicated than that.  Uninstalling from the app menu often leaves directories and files, often at lower (nearer root) levels invisible to the unrooted user.

See the following screen captures.  One shows the lower level junk left by a slot machine program, all below the visible level of the unrooted user.  The other two show what was left after uninstalling an astronomy program (sky safari).  The ./sdcard path is visible to the unrooted user.  The other path isn't.  Both contained three additional directories with additional contents.

Does this mean that as an unrooted user I am forever stuck with all of these junk folders when uninstalling apps? I know for a fact that while I was browsing through settings I came to an option in my n7 for deleting rubbish files. Now I can't find it. I did have go ex launcher installed for a short time so it's possible that the setting was within that launcher.

[norcal618]

Norcal, are you rooted?  I uninstalled the apps, used root manager, searched (from root) for "slot" and "safari," selected what I didn't want, and deleted the rubbish.

I'm not rooted but plan to be in the near future. This is my first experience with android,  having been a long time iOS user. I kinda wanna get the feel of this os before rooting.

[Drew]

Norcal, you can definitely delete files with Go Launcher Ex.  I bet it was when you had that app that you were able to delete easily as it changes the UI on the N7.

Bird, it is kind of scary what can be left behind on any tablet/phone/computer.  I know Astro app (and other similar aps) will delete a file, but I do wonder with unrooted tabs.

[S.Prime]

Guys, wouldn't the ability to delete a file depend on on the file properties, for example r = read only and r/w = read and write. I use Root Explorer (root required) and can change a read only folder to read/write to allow modification or deletion, which also serves as a safeguard against accidentally deleting system files. So does Astro allow deletion of read only folders and files without changing the properties for the rooted user, which is way scary, or do you have the ability to change those permissions?

[radiocycle]

I like 'Titanium Backup' for getting rid of unwanted apps.


r

[Drew]

So does Astro allow deletion of read only folders and files without changing the properties for the rooted user, which is way scary, or do you have the ability to change those permissions?

Jim, maybe Root Explorer would work better on a rooted tablet?  I don't know about Astro with rooting.

Anyways, I know little about rooting, so bowing out of thread.   

[norcal618]

I don't understand why it is that when I remove an app why don't all of the files/folders associated with it get removed too. I have a jailbroken iOS device with ifile and when removing apps on it all files /folders go too. I plan on rooting my n7 today or tomorrow. Hope you guys can give some pointers on keeping my tablet free of garbage once i do.