mystery folder

In my C-drive I have discovered a folder call 1386 that has over 6000 files in it. Don't know what it is or if I can delete it. I have windows xp.
Any suggestions?

 

I have 25 folders names "i386 ". Where is it located and what does it contain? Does it contain files with an underline as the last character in their file-types?

And do you have a full XP CD?

 

As I mentioned its on my C-drive; has all kinds of files, i.e. dll, address book?, etc.

Don't know what you mean by full windows xp cd?

 

Where on your C drive? In the root (C:\i386)?

What I am getting at is what sort of original installation you had and what source you have for XP files that may be needed from the original installation.

If someone put the i386 folder on your drive as a substitute for the installation CD, then you may need them later to replace corrupted files or to install another part of Windows.

But, if you have the full XP installation CD, then you can safely delete the files in an installation i386 folder and use the CD as the source of any needed files.

Is your computer shown online somewhere so that the configuration can be explored?

 

Please excuse my lack of knowledge.
It is in the root.
Yes I have installation CD that came with my Dell computer.

 

If the CD contains a i386 folder with the same files as the one on your computer, then you can delete them. If it is a "recovery" CD, with a proprietary method of restoring the files, best keep the i386 folder.

 

Is this easy to check? Do I need to insert the XP CD and look for this file?
I don't want to ***** things up as I'm sure you understand.

 

Chances are that when you insert the CD it will autorun and present you with options. Cancel it, exit, or whatever.

Then, go to Start > Programs > Accessories and open Windows Explorer to inspect the contents of the CD.

 

It's about 830MB big;
It sounds like you are telling me this is some type of Windows folder that keeps duplicate files for some reason??

 

Different manufacturers set their machines up differently. I was unable to find any information on the Dell site about how their recovery process works or what sort of software they supply on CD related to the XP installation.

It is quite possible that these files are some sort of recovery cache set up by the OEM. If you are not certain about the contents of your recovery CD's supplied with the computer, it is probably best to just leave this folder unless you are very pressed for space on the drive.

 

Thanks.
Appreciate your advice!