ServicePack Files\i386

After installing SP1 for WindowsXP there is a new file on my system: C:\Windows\ServicePack Files\i386, size 259 MB. Can someone tell me if I can safely delete this file after the install. Or does it remain in use by the OS?

 

I'd suggest keeping those files in case they are needed later. I deleted mine before doing a slipstream repair installation and they did not reappear, but that is because SP1 was then a part of the actual installation.
If you still have a full copy of SP1 saved somewhere, you could always try deleting them and see what happens.
If you don't plan on removing SP1 in the future, you can delete the hidden uninstallation folder with the backup files under Windows\$ServicePack...$ (not sure of the exact name, but you'll see it).

 

eduha
I agree with Abraxas about keeping those files. I think you will find that the XP file restore/protection system will now also look in that folder for any replacements when needed.

Another possibility would be, they are the old files that were replaced by SP1 that were previously in the C:\i386 folder. You could determine that by their dates.

At any rate, I recommend keeping all those and all the uninstall files for at least a month. Better safe...

 

May I thank Abraxas and Zephyr for posting a reply to my question, very kind of you. I will keep those files on my system, as advised!
Eduha.

 

You are very welcome:

-----Zephyr--------> You mentioned an i386 directory. Since I don't have one, that must be your "CD ", eh?
These are the contents of the XP Pro CD:

D:\ R---
AUTORUN.INF
README.HTM
SETUP.EXE
WIN51 R----
WIN51IP R----
D:\DOCS\ R---
D:\I386\ R---
D:\SUPPORT\ R---
D:\VALUEADD\ R---

You could probably copy that i386 folder to CD and have 99% of the full thing. I suspect it could even be made bootable.

PS. Setup.exe is , in fact, on this CD. I swear I tried to start the XP installation from a DOS disk and got an error about not being able to run setup from DOS.
I have to admit I am a little confused, now, unless setup on the XP CD needs to be run from XP, or at least Windows.

 

I dunno too!

Here's what MS has to say about installing XP from a dos prompt. and here's an alternate method for the faint of heart. Costs $4.99 to be faint though.

Yes, you are correct, my "CD" is the C:\i386 folder.

I plan on getting the Value Added folder someday someway without having to buy the system again. My sis has a disk, she'll be visiting soon. It's probably not all that simple since MS is playing hardball with this protection issue. I'll write you from prison if it doesn't work out.

 

Nice surprise to learn that both of you - Abraxas and Zephyr - went further into the matter. Now I am the one that is really confused! Perhaps you will excuse me (an old man, 73).
This is the 'history' behind my SP1 question. I have WindowsXP (Home Edition - Dutch language) running on my computer. It is installed from the WindowsXP CD-Rom on my master disk C:\Windows.
From the Microsoft website I downloaded the Dutch release of SP1 v1.16.121.0 (132 MB) to my slave hard disk H:\Downloads. I installed the *.exe file and everything runs fine.
Out of curiosity I later looked into the C:\Windows folder and found out that a "new" file had been added, the before mentioned *\ServicePackFiles (containing the i386 folder - 259 MB).
I am not afraid of playing around with my computer, but at the same time want to be careful. That's why I put my question.
So Abraxas: I don't have a CD with SP1 on it. What shall I do with your latest comment?
And Zephyr: do you advise me to obtain EZ OS Install (CD-ROM ISO) Boot Disk for installing Windows? Once obtained what shall I do with it?
Don't let yourselves be tempted into giving me a course in running my computer. You have already spent much of your precious time on me.
Kind greetings.

 

My apologies eduha , Abraxas and I digressed somewhat from your original question and the last couple posts were in reference to another problem that we had just before butted heads on. It was in reference to installing XP from the DOS prompt and not at all relevant to your situation. However, it may serve you someday but I hope you never need it.

Cheers!
ps, 264 seasons strong here, tempus fugit (while I drag along.) I've given up trying to know everything, I'll be happy if I can just remember where to reference it.

 

I'm very sorry, eduha , if we have caused you confusion.

The original advice that you should leave the service pack files in Windows still stands. There is nothing else you need to do.

An optional thing you can do, after you are absolutely positive that you do not want to uninstall SP1, is to remove the uninstall backup folders in Windows. These folders are hidden and of the form $NT........$ (beginning and ending with dollar signs). If you have hidden files and folders unhidden, then you can delete the one that refers to the service pack.
In fact, if you never plan to uninstall any updates, you can delete all the $.............$ folders.



Zephyr -- "Butting heads "? It wasn't that bad! It was a productive exchange that left us both knowing more.