1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Resolved Deletion of Downloaded Program Files.

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by lj50, 2006/01/04.

  1. 2006/01/04
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2003/07/04
    Messages:
    2,801
    Likes Received:
    137
    Can the files in the C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Programs folder be safely deleted?
     
    lj50,
    #1
  2. 2006/01/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Generally speaking yes - they will be installed again when you visit a site that needs them, but there is a downside to this ....

    Windows Update, Office Update, Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool are all located there plus maybe some other items, e.g. in my folder I have an Account Tracking Manager for one of my investments.

    If these are deleted they will be reloaded, but you will have to go through the hassle of downloading and maybe configuring again.

    For a few Kb it hardly seems worth it. What bothers you about these files?
     
    PeteC,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2006/01/04
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2003/07/04
    Messages:
    2,801
    Likes Received:
    137
    Thanks for the quick response. I was just curious.
     
    lj50,
    #3
  5. 2006/01/05
    Welshjim

    Welshjim Inactive

    Joined:
    2002/01/07
    Messages:
    5,643
    Likes Received:
    0
    lj50--If you are curious about the source of those files, right click|Properties on each. You will learn their source. If you find a suspicious source (Code Base line), that might be a candidate to remove. Also if you find any whose status is other than Installed (like Disabled, Corrupt, etc.), I would delete it.
     
    Welshjim,
    #4
  6. 2006/01/05
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2003/07/04
    Messages:
    2,801
    Likes Received:
    137
    I guess the same rings true for Dowloaded Installations? Better off just leaving them alone. All are installed except ActiveData Info Class which is Unplugged.
     
    Last edited: 2006/01/05
    lj50,
    #5
  7. 2006/01/05
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Leave them alone - they are a backup copy of the installation files (.msi) for downloaded programs - could be useful if you need to reinstall at a future date.
     
    PeteC,
    #6

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...