Need to delete some files in cache directory

[Idaho Falls]

Our hosting company has told us we are over double the limit of files on our account and we urgently need to delete some.

They say most of the files are in the cache directory.

What does this directory hold and how safe is it to delete files there ?

Where else can we delete files to give room ?

[Isaias]

In v1.3.9, the /cache/ folder stores the following:

a) Default files (these are the only "required" files in this folder):
.htaccess
index.php

b) PHP error log files named "myDebug-xxxxxxxxx.log"
These files are generated whenever a PHP error occurs on your site.
Anytime you find these files present, it means you have problems in your site that need fixing. The details are contained in the files themselves.
Delete the files once you've recorded the error message and have put a plan in place to fix the errors.

c) zc_XXXXXXXXX.sql files
These are temporary files storing cached data. The system normally clears them out automatically after an hour, but it's safe for you to delete them anytime.

d) sess_xxxxxxxxxx files
These are session storage files, and expire after 24 minutes, and the system normally clears them out after expiry.
They can be deleted if they're more than 24 minutes old.

e) *.log files for various payment modules
These are debug logs used for troubleshooting payment module problems, and can be deleted if you're not trying to fix a specific problem. Turn those logs off inside your payment module settings in your admin.

f) some addons like ceon uri mapping might have additional folders under the cache directory, and these are used to store cached page mapping rules you've configured. Best to leave them alone unless you're intending to reset all your URLs you've configured with that module.


g) A different folder:
/includes/modules/payment/paypal/logs/ --- all the *.log files in this folder are temporary for troubleshooting purposes, and can be deleted. Turn the logs off inside your paypal payment module settings


NOTE: In v1.5.0 and newer, the *.log files from b) and e) and g) above are found in the /logs/ folder instead. The other files are still found in the cache folder.
AND, even in 1.3.9, these are most likely the files that are taking up the most excess space on your site. Remove them and deal with whatever problems caused them to be put there in the first place!!!!!!!!


h) Another folder:
bmz_cache -- this folder stores cached images for Image Handler plugin use. If you're not using that plugin, you can delete this folder if it's present.