What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

[Guest Steve1A]

I need to make space on my C: drive, and am not interested at this point in

moving Win XP to my D: drive. What can I safely delete from the WINDOWS and

WINNT folders?

 

After installation of WinXP, endless Win updates, and many IE7 Updates --

there are HUGE files now listed in: Windows\Installer, Windows\IE7Updates,

Windows\$NTUninstall . . .,Windows\Assembly\NativeImages.

 

My lord! What can I safely get rid of?

[Guest JS]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

First use Windows 'Disk Cleanup' to create more space on your C: drive.

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

 

Next: Empty the Recycle Bin.

 

You can also free up more disk space by reducing

the number of 'System Restore' points:

Select Start/Control Panel/System, then in the System Properties window

click on the System Restore tab.

Next select the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C:),

Then click on the Setting button

Now in the Drive Settings window move the Disk space usage slider to the

left to reduce the amount of drive space System Restore points will use.

This will remove some of the older restore points and free up some space.

 

Disable Hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file (If you have it enabled):

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/10/25/how-to-delete-and-remove-hiberfilsys-hibernation-file-in-windows-xp-and-vista/

and:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernate.mspx

 

If you are using IE7 and then installed SP3 read the info below.

IE7 users will find the folders listed below on their hard drive:

$NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

$NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

They are needed to uninstall IE7. However, if you installed IE7 and

then installed XP SP3 you can no longer uninstall IE7 and these

folders can also be deleted.

 

Note: The recommended procedure before installing XP SP3 is to

uninstall IE7, then install XP SP3. Now you still have the ability to

install and uninstall IE7.

 

Next if you still need more space:

Remove the files used to uninstall updates to Windows

These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,

however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or

update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.

I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of folders

and delete the older updates.

As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.

These files are located in the Windows folder and have folder names

like $NtUninstallKBXXXXXX$.

They are hidden folders so enable viewing of hidden files in Windows

Explorer.

Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$

Also See the following web pages on this issue:

http://www.pagestart.com/ntuninstall.html

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

 

You can reduce the size of the Internet Explorer Disk Cache:

How and Why to Clear Your Cache:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx

Just follow the instructs but instead of increasing the size (as stated in

the article) decrease it.

 

Finally: Check the Recycle Bin one more time and empty it

if necessary as some of those files you deleted in the steps

mentioned above may find there way into the recycle bin.

 

If you have more than one partition or drive then:

How to Change the Default Location of Mail and News Folders:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307971/en-us

 

Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder

(Example: move it to the D drive)

See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310147

Also:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_to_move_my_documents.htm

 

How to move the Spool folder in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308666

 

Can I move or delete my C:\I386 directory to free up some space?

See:

http://ask-leo.com/can_i_move_or_delete_my_i386_directory_to_free_up_some_space.html

Note: C:\i386 is not to be confused with the

C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder which should not

be moved or deleted as Windows File Protection needs those files

 

JS

http://www.pagestart.com

 

 

"Steve1A" <Steve1A@OptOnline.net> wrote in message

news:48cd6c40$0$15542$607ed4bc@cv.net...

>I need to make space on my C: drive, and am not interested at this point in

>moving Win XP to my D: drive. What can I safely delete from the WINDOWS and

>WINNT folders?

>

> After installation of WinXP, endless Win updates, and many IE7 Updates --

> there are HUGE files now listed in: Windows\Installer,

> Windows\IE7Updates, Windows\$NTUninstall . .

> .,Windows\Assembly\NativeImages.

>

> My lord! What can I safely get rid of?

>

>

[Guest PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

Is WinXP SP3 installed yet?

 

Have you run Disk Cleanup recently?

--

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

 

 

Steve1A wrote:

> I need to make space on my C: drive, and am not interested at this point

> in

> moving Win XP to my D: drive. What can I safely delete from the WINDOWS

> and

> WINNT folders?

>

> After installation of WinXP, endless Win updates, and many IE7 Updates --

> there are HUGE files now listed in: Windows\Installer,

> Windows\IE7Updates,

> Windows\$NTUninstall . . .,Windows\Assembly\NativeImages.

>

> My lord! What can I safely get rid of?

[Guest Steve1A]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

Thanks for stepping me through this.

 

I regularly use Disk Cleanup and empty the Recycle Bin. And, I have the IE

Disk Cache on my D drive, along with OE mail and news folders. But

eliminating some of the other stuff you discuss is most helpful.

 

I have already installed SP3, but I don't remember uninstalling IE 7 first

unless I was instructed to do so during the SP3 installation. Would it have

been a standard step during SP3 installation?

 

 

 

"JS" wrote:

> First use Windows 'Disk Cleanup' to create more space on your C: drive.

> Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP:

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

>

> Next: Empty the Recycle Bin.

>

> You can also free up more disk space by reducing

> the number of 'System Restore' points:

> Select Start/Control Panel/System, then in the System Properties window

> click on the System Restore tab.

> Next select the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C:),

> Then click on the Setting button

> Now in the Drive Settings window move the Disk space usage slider to the

> left to reduce the amount of drive space System Restore points will use.

> This will remove some of the older restore points and free up some space.

>

> Disable Hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file (If you have it enabled):

> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/10/25/how-to-delete-and-remove-hiberfilsys-hibernation-file-in-windows-xp-and-vista/

> and:

> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernate.mspx

>

> If you are using IE7 and then installed SP3 read the info below.

> IE7 users will find the folders listed below on their hard drive:

> $NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

> $NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

> They are needed to uninstall IE7. However, if you installed IE7 and

> then installed XP SP3 you can no longer uninstall IE7 and these

> folders can also be deleted.

>

> Note: The recommended procedure before installing XP SP3 is to

> uninstall IE7, then install XP SP3. Now you still have the ability to

> install and uninstall IE7.

>

> Next if you still need more space:

> Remove the files used to uninstall updates to Windows

> These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,

> however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or

> update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.

> I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of folders

> and delete the older updates.

> As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.

> These files are located in the Windows folder and have folder names

> like $NtUninstallKBXXXXXX$.

> They are hidden folders so enable viewing of hidden files in Windows

> Explorer.

> Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$

> Also See the following web pages on this issue:

> http://www.pagestart.com/ntuninstall.html

> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm

> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

>

> You can reduce the size of the Internet Explorer Disk Cache:

> How and Why to Clear Your Cache:

> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx

> Just follow the instructs but instead of increasing the size (as stated in

> the article) decrease it.

>

> Finally: Check the Recycle Bin one more time and empty it

> if necessary as some of those files you deleted in the steps

> mentioned above may find there way into the recycle bin.

>

> If you have more than one partition or drive then:

> How to Change the Default Location of Mail and News Folders:

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307971/en-us

>

> Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder

> (Example: move it to the D drive)

> See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310147

> Also:

> http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_to_move_my_documents.htm

>

> How to move the Spool folder in Windows XP

> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308666

>

> Can I move or delete my C:\I386 directory to free up some space?

> See:

> http://ask-leo.com/can_i_move_or_delete_my_i386_directory_to_free_up_some_space.html

> Note: C:\i386 is not to be confused with the

> C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder which should not

> be moved or deleted as Windows File Protection needs those files

>

> JS

> http://www.pagestart.com

>

>

> "Steve1A" <Steve1A@OptOnline.net> wrote in message

> news:48cd6c40$0$15542$607ed4bc@cv.net...

> >I need to make space on my C: drive, and am not interested at this point in

> >moving Win XP to my D: drive. What can I safely delete from the WINDOWS and

> >WINNT folders?

> >

> > After installation of WinXP, endless Win updates, and many IE7 Updates --

> > there are HUGE files now listed in: Windows\Installer,

> > Windows\IE7Updates, Windows\$NTUninstall . .

> > .,Windows\Assembly\NativeImages.

> >

> > My lord! What can I safely get rid of?

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest JS]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

No, SP3 does not in itself AFAK warn that IE7 is installed.

So if you have IE 7 installed and then install SP3 your

stuck with IE7.

 

If that is the case the you can remove these two folder:

$NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

$NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

 

JS

http://www.pagestart.com

 

 

"Steve1A" <Steve1A@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:A4652D25-2B9D-46DD-A07F-CAF61D8B1C2F@microsoft.com...

> Thanks for stepping me through this.

>

> I regularly use Disk Cleanup and empty the Recycle Bin. And, I have the IE

> Disk Cache on my D drive, along with OE mail and news folders. But

> eliminating some of the other stuff you discuss is most helpful.

>

> I have already installed SP3, but I don't remember uninstalling IE 7 first

> unless I was instructed to do so during the SP3 installation. Would it

> have

> been a standard step during SP3 installation?

>

>

>

> "JS" wrote:

>

>> First use Windows 'Disk Cleanup' to create more space on your C: drive.

>> Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP:

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

>>

>> Next: Empty the Recycle Bin.

>>

>> You can also free up more disk space by reducing

>> the number of 'System Restore' points:

>> Select Start/Control Panel/System, then in the System Properties window

>> click on the System Restore tab.

>> Next select the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C:),

>> Then click on the Setting button

>> Now in the Drive Settings window move the Disk space usage slider to the

>> left to reduce the amount of drive space System Restore points will use.

>> This will remove some of the older restore points and free up some space.

>>

>> Disable Hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file (If you have it

>> enabled):

>> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/10/25/how-to-delete-and-remove-hiberfilsys-hibernation-file-in-windows-xp-and-vista/

>> and:

>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernate.mspx

>>

>> If you are using IE7 and then installed SP3 read the info below.

>> IE7 users will find the folders listed below on their hard drive:

>> $NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

>> $NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

>> They are needed to uninstall IE7. However, if you installed IE7 and

>> then installed XP SP3 you can no longer uninstall IE7 and these

>> folders can also be deleted.

>>

>> Note: The recommended procedure before installing XP SP3 is to

>> uninstall IE7, then install XP SP3. Now you still have the ability to

>> install and uninstall IE7.

>>

>> Next if you still need more space:

>> Remove the files used to uninstall updates to Windows

>> These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,

>> however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or

>> update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.

>> I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of

>> folders

>> and delete the older updates.

>> As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.

>> These files are located in the Windows folder and have folder names

>> like $NtUninstallKBXXXXXX$.

>> They are hidden folders so enable viewing of hidden files in Windows

>> Explorer.

>> Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$

>> Also See the following web pages on this issue:

>> http://www.pagestart.com/ntuninstall.html

>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm

>> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

>>

>> You can reduce the size of the Internet Explorer Disk Cache:

>> How and Why to Clear Your Cache:

>> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx

>> Just follow the instructs but instead of increasing the size (as stated

>> in

>> the article) decrease it.

>>

>> Finally: Check the Recycle Bin one more time and empty it

>> if necessary as some of those files you deleted in the steps

>> mentioned above may find there way into the recycle bin.

>>

>> If you have more than one partition or drive then:

>> How to Change the Default Location of Mail and News Folders:

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307971/en-us

>>

>> Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder

>> (Example: move it to the D drive)

>> See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310147

>> Also:

>> http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_to_move_my_documents.htm

>>

>> How to move the Spool folder in Windows XP

>> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308666

>>

>> Can I move or delete my C:\I386 directory to free up some space?

>> See:

>> http://ask-leo.com/can_i_move_or_delete_my_i386_directory_to_free_up_some_space.html

>> Note: C:\i386 is not to be confused with the

>> C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder which should not

>> be moved or deleted as Windows File Protection needs those files

>>

>> JS

>> http://www.pagestart.com

>>

>>

>> "Steve1A" <Steve1A@OptOnline.net> wrote in message

>> news:48cd6c40$0$15542$607ed4bc@cv.net...

>> >I need to make space on my C: drive, and am not interested at this point

>> >in

>> >moving Win XP to my D: drive. What can I safely delete from the WINDOWS

>> >and

>> >WINNT folders?

>> >

>> > After installation of WinXP, endless Win updates, and many IE7

>> > Updates --

>> > there are HUGE files now listed in: Windows\Installer,

>> > Windows\IE7Updates, Windows\$NTUninstall . .

>> > .,Windows\Assembly\NativeImages.

>> >

>> > My lord! What can I safely get rid of?

>> >

>> >

>>

>>

>>

[Guest Steve1A]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

Ignore my questions about SP3/IE& installations. It turns out that

$NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

$NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

are so small (.6 MB each) that I'll just leave them where they are in case I

ever need to uninstall IE7.

 

Your other recommendations were quite helpful. I managed to reclaim about

..7 GB of space. BTW, I did not delete the older $NtService... files -- just

simply moved them over to my D: drive. Thanks again.

 

"JS" wrote:

> First use Windows 'Disk Cleanup' to create more space on your C: drive.

> Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP:

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

>

> Next: Empty the Recycle Bin.

>

> You can also free up more disk space by reducing

> the number of 'System Restore' points:

> Select Start/Control Panel/System, then in the System Properties window

> click on the System Restore tab.

> Next select the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C:),

> Then click on the Setting button

> Now in the Drive Settings window move the Disk space usage slider to the

> left to reduce the amount of drive space System Restore points will use.

> This will remove some of the older restore points and free up some space.

>

> Disable Hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file (If you have it enabled):

> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/10/25/how-to-delete-and-remove-hiberfilsys-hibernation-file-in-windows-xp-and-vista/

> and:

> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernate.mspx

>

> If you are using IE7 and then installed SP3 read the info below.

> IE7 users will find the folders listed below on their hard drive:

> $NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

> $NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

> They are needed to uninstall IE7. However, if you installed IE7 and

> then installed XP SP3 you can no longer uninstall IE7 and these

> folders can also be deleted.

>

> Note: The recommended procedure before installing XP SP3 is to

> uninstall IE7, then install XP SP3. Now you still have the ability to

> install and uninstall IE7.

>

> Next if you still need more space:

> Remove the files used to uninstall updates to Windows

> These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,

> however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or

> update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.

> I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of folders

> and delete the older updates.

> As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.

> These files are located in the Windows folder and have folder names

> like $NtUninstallKBXXXXXX$.

> They are hidden folders so enable viewing of hidden files in Windows

> Explorer.

> Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$

> Also See the following web pages on this issue:

> http://www.pagestart.com/ntuninstall.html

> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm

> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

>

> You can reduce the size of the Internet Explorer Disk Cache:

> How and Why to Clear Your Cache:

> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx

> Just follow the instructs but instead of increasing the size (as stated in

> the article) decrease it.

>

> Finally: Check the Recycle Bin one more time and empty it

> if necessary as some of those files you deleted in the steps

> mentioned above may find there way into the recycle bin.

>

> If you have more than one partition or drive then:

> How to Change the Default Location of Mail and News Folders:

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307971/en-us

>

> Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder

> (Example: move it to the D drive)

> See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310147

> Also:

> http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_to_move_my_documents.htm

>

> How to move the Spool folder in Windows XP

> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308666

>

> Can I move or delete my C:\I386 directory to free up some space?

> See:

> http://ask-leo.com/can_i_move_or_delete_my_i386_directory_to_free_up_some_space.html

> Note: C:\i386 is not to be confused with the

> C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder which should not

> be moved or deleted as Windows File Protection needs those files

>

> JS

> http://www.pagestart.com

>

>

> "Steve1A" <Steve1A@OptOnline.net> wrote in message

> news:48cd6c40$0$15542$607ed4bc@cv.net...

> >I need to make space on my C: drive, and am not interested at this point in

> >moving Win XP to my D: drive. What can I safely delete from the WINDOWS and

> >WINNT folders?

> >

> > After installation of WinXP, endless Win updates, and many IE7 Updates --

> > there are HUGE files now listed in: Windows\Installer,

> > Windows\IE7Updates, Windows\$NTUninstall . .

> > .,Windows\Assembly\NativeImages.

> >

> > My lord! What can I safely get rid of?

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest Jim]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

 

"Steve1A" <Steve1A@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:C1DDA12C-C381-431B-ADF1-91CEEF512900@microsoft.com...

> Ignore my questions about SP3/IE& installations. It turns out that

> $NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

> $NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

> are so small (.6 MB each) that I'll just leave them where they are in case

> I

> ever need to uninstall IE7.

>

> Your other recommendations were quite helpful. I managed to reclaim about

> .7 GB of space. BTW, I did not delete the older $NtService... files --

> just

> simply moved them over to my D: drive. Thanks again.

>

> "JS" wrote:

>

>> First use Windows 'Disk Cleanup' to create more space on your C: drive.

>> Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP:

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

>>

>> Next: Empty the Recycle Bin.

>>

>> You can also free up more disk space by reducing

>> the number of 'System Restore' points:

>> Select Start/Control Panel/System, then in the System Properties window

>> click on the System Restore tab.

>> Next select the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C:),

>> Then click on the Setting button

>> Now in the Drive Settings window move the Disk space usage slider to the

>> left to reduce the amount of drive space System Restore points will use.

>> This will remove some of the older restore points and free up some space.

>>

>> Disable Hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file (If you have it

>> enabled):

>> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/10/25/how-to-delete-and-remove-hiberfilsys-hibernation-file-in-windows-xp-and-vista/

>> and:

>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernate.mspx

>>

>> If you are using IE7 and then installed SP3 read the info below.

>> IE7 users will find the folders listed below on their hard drive:

>> $NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

>> $NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

>> They are needed to uninstall IE7. However, if you installed IE7 and

>> then installed XP SP3 you can no longer uninstall IE7 and these

>> folders can also be deleted.

>>

>> Note: The recommended procedure before installing XP SP3 is to

>> uninstall IE7, then install XP SP3. Now you still have the ability to

>> install and uninstall IE7.

>>

>> Next if you still need more space:

>> Remove the files used to uninstall updates to Windows

>> These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,

>> however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or

>> update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.

>> I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of

>> folders

>> and delete the older updates.

>> As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.

>> These files are located in the Windows folder and have folder names

>> like $NtUninstallKBXXXXXX$.

>> They are hidden folders so enable viewing of hidden files in Windows

>> Explorer.

>> Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$

>> Also See the following web pages on this issue:

>> http://www.pagestart.com/ntuninstall.html

>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm

>> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

>>

>> You can reduce the size of the Internet Explorer Disk Cache:

>> How and Why to Clear Your Cache:

>> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx

>> Just follow the instructs but instead of increasing the size (as stated

>> in

>> the article) decrease it.

>>

>> Finally: Check the Recycle Bin one more time and empty it

>> if necessary as some of those files you deleted in the steps

>> mentioned above may find there way into the recycle bin.

>>

>> If you have more than one partition or drive then:

>> How to Change the Default Location of Mail and News Folders:

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307971/en-us

>>

>> Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder

>> (Example: move it to the D drive)

>> See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310147

>> Also:

>> http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_to_move_my_documents.htm

>>

>> How to move the Spool folder in Windows XP

>> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308666

>>

>> Can I move or delete my C:\I386 directory to free up some space?

>> See:

>> http://ask-leo.com/can_i_move_or_delete_my_i386_directory_to_free_up_some_space.html

>> Note: C:\i386 is not to be confused with the

>> C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder which should not

>> be moved or deleted as Windows File Protection needs those files

>>

>> JS

>> http://www.pagestart.com

>>

>>

>> "Steve1A" <Steve1A@OptOnline.net> wrote in message

>> news:48cd6c40$0$15542$607ed4bc@cv.net...

>> >I need to make space on my C: drive, and am not interested at this point

>> >in

>> >moving Win XP to my D: drive. What can I safely delete from the WINDOWS

>> >and

>> >WINNT folders?

>> >

>> > After installation of WinXP, endless Win updates, and many IE7

>> > Updates --

>> > there are HUGE files now listed in: Windows\Installer,

>> > Windows\IE7Updates, Windows\$NTUninstall . .

>> > .,Windows\Assembly\NativeImages.

>> >

>> > My lord! What can I safely get rid of?

>> >

>> >

>>

>>

>>

Most people just copy the ntunistall folders to a cd or dvd. Hopefully, you

will never need to uninstall the specified updates.

Jim

[Guest JS]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

You're welcome.

 

JS

 

"Steve1A" <Steve1A@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:C1DDA12C-C381-431B-ADF1-91CEEF512900@microsoft.com...

> Ignore my questions about SP3/IE& installations. It turns out that

> $NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

> $NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

> are so small (.6 MB each) that I'll just leave them where they are in case

> I

> ever need to uninstall IE7.

>

> Your other recommendations were quite helpful. I managed to reclaim about

> .7 GB of space. BTW, I did not delete the older $NtService... files --

> just

> simply moved them over to my D: drive. Thanks again.

>

> "JS" wrote:

>

>> First use Windows 'Disk Cleanup' to create more space on your C: drive.

>> Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP:

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

>>

>> Next: Empty the Recycle Bin.

>>

>> You can also free up more disk space by reducing

>> the number of 'System Restore' points:

>> Select Start/Control Panel/System, then in the System Properties window

>> click on the System Restore tab.

>> Next select the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C:),

>> Then click on the Setting button

>> Now in the Drive Settings window move the Disk space usage slider to the

>> left to reduce the amount of drive space System Restore points will use.

>> This will remove some of the older restore points and free up some space.

>>

>> Disable Hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file (If you have it

>> enabled):

>> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/10/25/how-to-delete-and-remove-hiberfilsys-hibernation-file-in-windows-xp-and-vista/

>> and:

>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernate.mspx

>>

>> If you are using IE7 and then installed SP3 read the info below.

>> IE7 users will find the folders listed below on their hard drive:

>> $NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

>> $NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

>> They are needed to uninstall IE7. However, if you installed IE7 and

>> then installed XP SP3 you can no longer uninstall IE7 and these

>> folders can also be deleted.

>>

>> Note: The recommended procedure before installing XP SP3 is to

>> uninstall IE7, then install XP SP3. Now you still have the ability to

>> install and uninstall IE7.

>>

>> Next if you still need more space:

>> Remove the files used to uninstall updates to Windows

>> These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,

>> however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or

>> update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.

>> I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of

>> folders

>> and delete the older updates.

>> As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.

>> These files are located in the Windows folder and have folder names

>> like $NtUninstallKBXXXXXX$.

>> They are hidden folders so enable viewing of hidden files in Windows

>> Explorer.

>> Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$

>> Also See the following web pages on this issue:

>> http://www.pagestart.com/ntuninstall.html

>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm

>> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

>>

>> You can reduce the size of the Internet Explorer Disk Cache:

>> How and Why to Clear Your Cache:

>> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx

>> Just follow the instructs but instead of increasing the size (as stated

>> in

>> the article) decrease it.

>>

>> Finally: Check the Recycle Bin one more time and empty it

>> if necessary as some of those files you deleted in the steps

>> mentioned above may find there way into the recycle bin.

>>

>> If you have more than one partition or drive then:

>> How to Change the Default Location of Mail and News Folders:

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307971/en-us

>>

>> Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder

>> (Example: move it to the D drive)

>> See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310147

>> Also:

>> http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_to_move_my_documents.htm

>>

>> How to move the Spool folder in Windows XP

>> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308666

>>

>> Can I move or delete my C:\I386 directory to free up some space?

>> See:

>> http://ask-leo.com/can_i_move_or_delete_my_i386_directory_to_free_up_some_space.html

>> Note: C:\i386 is not to be confused with the

>> C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder which should not

>> be moved or deleted as Windows File Protection needs those files

>>

>> JS

>> http://www.pagestart.com

>>

>>

>> "Steve1A" <Steve1A@OptOnline.net> wrote in message

>> news:48cd6c40$0$15542$607ed4bc@cv.net...

>> >I need to make space on my C: drive, and am not interested at this point

>> >in

>> >moving Win XP to my D: drive. What can I safely delete from the WINDOWS

>> >and

>> >WINNT folders?

>> >

>> > After installation of WinXP, endless Win updates, and many IE7

>> > Updates --

>> > there are HUGE files now listed in: Windows\Installer,

>> > Windows\IE7Updates, Windows\$NTUninstall . .

>> > .,Windows\Assembly\NativeImages.

>> >

>> > My lord! What can I safely get rid of?

>> >

>> >

>>

>>

>>

[Guest Anthony Buckland]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

 

"Steve1A" <Steve1A@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:C1DDA12C-C381-431B-ADF1-91CEEF512900@microsoft.com...

> Ignore my questions about SP3/IE& installations. It turns out that

> $NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$

> $NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$

> are so small (.6 MB each) that I'll just leave them where they are in case

> I

> ever need to uninstall IE7.

>

> Your other recommendations were quite helpful. I managed to reclaim about

> .7 GB of space. ...

 

Do I read that correctly, 0.7 Gby? If saving a mere 700 Mby

of space is an important issue, why not get a (much) bigger

drive? You can chew through 700 Mby loading the pictures

from one short vacation (and I've come quite close).

 

If it's really 7.0 Gby, OTOH, ok, that's a significant saving.

[Guest Patrick Keenan]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

 

"Steve1A" <Steve1A@OptOnline.net> wrote in message

news:48cd6c40$0$15542$607ed4bc@cv.net...

>I need to make space on my C: drive, and am not interested at this point in

>moving Win XP to my D: drive. What can I safely delete from the WINDOWS and

>WINNT folders?

>

> After installation of WinXP, endless Win updates, and many IE7 Updates --

> there are HUGE files now listed in: Windows\Installer,

> Windows\IE7Updates, Windows\$NTUninstall . .

> .,Windows\Assembly\NativeImages.

>

> My lord! What can I safely get rid of?

 

First, download and run ccleaner from http://www.ccleaner.com. Look for the

"other builds" link, and choose the "light" version without the toolbar.

 

Install it and let it analyse. This will tell you how much space is used

by unneeded files, very few of which will be in the Windows folder

structures. Note that if you let it remove cookies in the "cleanup" phase,

it will likely remove any stored information you have for thinks like bank

cards and site passwords.

 

The first time this runs, it's not unusual for it to find over a gigabyte of

files that the Windows tools leave behind.

 

However, if this amount of space makes a difference to you, you should

consider upgrading the drive to something significantly larger. This is

fortunately easy to do and not expensive - where I am, half-terabyte SATA

desktop drives are around CDN$70, one-terabyte drives are about CDN$160.

 

You just need a way to connect the drive to your system (such as a USB2

drive case, starting around $25) and some cloning software, such as the

Acronis TrueImage free trial.

 

Run this in Manual mode, so that you get the option to do a proportional

clone, meaning that the partition sizes will be expanded to the size

available on the new disk.

 

You'll be done in a couple of hours, most of which will be spent doing

something else. When the cloning is done, simply remove your old disk and

install the new one exactly as the old one was in terms of cabling and any

jumper settings. The only difference you should notice is that you now

have more than enough space.

 

HTH

-pk

[Guest Terry R.]

Re: What's Safe to Delete to Free Up Space on C: Drive?

 

The date and time was 9/14/2008 2:02 PM, and on a whim, Steve1A pounded

out on the keyboard:

> Thanks for stepping me through this.

>

> I regularly use Disk Cleanup and empty the Recycle Bin. And, I have the IE

> Disk Cache on my D drive, along with OE mail and news folders. But

> eliminating some of the other stuff you discuss is most helpful.

>

> I have already installed SP3, but I don't remember uninstalling IE 7 first

> unless I was instructed to do so during the SP3 installation. Would it have

> been a standard step during SP3 installation?

>

>

 

Hi Steve,

 

You CAN remove IE7, but you have to uninstall SP3 first. I had to

perform that task on a couple workstations and it didn't take that long.

 

One thing I did do. I noticed that SP3 doesn't remove a lot of the

older update folders like SP2 did. So after uninstalling SP3, I removed

all the updates via Add/Remove Programs, removed IE7, and then

reinstalled SP3. Then ran Microsoft Update.

 

--

Terry R.

 

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