In Windows, the clipboard is used to temporarily store things such as files, pictures and documents as they are copied and pasted. Over time the clipboard gets cluttered and will eventually start to slow down the operating system. It is necessary that the clip board be cleared periodically to free up memory space and prevent system issues. When you clear the clipboard you should instantly see an improvement in the computer's performance.
Windows XP
Step 1
Clear the clipboard in Windows XP by clicking on the "Start" button, clicking "Run" and typing "Clipbrd" in the box. Press the "Enter" key or click "OK." You will see the "Clipbook Viewer" window with a list of the most recent copy and paste items.
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Step 2
Click "Edit" and, from the drop-down menu, click on "Delete." You will see a message asking if you want to clear the contents of the clipboard.
Step 3
Click "Yes" to confirm. Close the "Clipbook Viewer."
Windows 98 and Millennium
Step 1
Click on the "Start" button. Click "Programs," "Accessories," then click on "System Tools."
Step 2
Locate and click on the "Clipboard Viewer" icon. The "Clipboard Viewer" will appear with a list of the most recent copy and paste items.
Step 3
Click on the "Edit" button to clear the clipboard. Click on "Delete," then "Yes" to confirm the action, then close the "Clipboard Viewer.
Windows Vista and Windows 7
Step 1
Right-click on an empty space on the Windows Vista or Windows 7 desktop. Click on "New" and then "Shortcut." The "Shortcut location" box will appear.
Step 2
Type the command: "cmd /c "echo off | clip" " inside the box. An icon will appear on your desktop. Right-click the icon and click on "Properties."
Step 3
Click on the "Minimized" option on the drop-down menu. Assign a short-cut key by clicking the "Change Icon" button. Scroll down and click on "%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll." When you need to clear the clipboard, click on this desktop icon and follow the prompts.