Winsxs directory cleaner - Removing files from the WINSX directory

[richnrock]

I have a Toshiba Intel laptop x64 4gigs ram and 64gig ssd C drive
and a 320Gig D drive.
I don't believe that the 9000 directories with 7gigs of data
in directories that start with c:\windows\winsx\AMD64_ are needed as I believe that
Toshiba is using a install program that covers all bases when they
ship out a new x6t4 machine. Some are probably AMD and some
are Intel.

I guess I can just delete them and see what Happens, I have it all
backed up on dvd with acronis and I have the restore disks which
I made earlier.

Any Ideas on whether I am whistling in the dark trying to free
up disk space on the 64gig SSD?

thanks
Rich

[HappyAndyK]

I'd suggest you not delete anything from winsxs.

Windows stores the old dll's and library components in the WinSxS folder.

You cannot delete this directory or move it elsewhere. Nor is it advisable to delete anything here, as such a step could probably make your applications un-workable or even break your system! If you have many applications installed, you can expect to have a jumbo sized winsxs folder.

If you delete components from the WinSxS folder like the manifests or the assemblies, etc, you could be in trouble. Each system would react differently. What may work for one could break another!

Read more here.

[johnny.rotton]

Are you saying that a Laptop with an Intel processor has AMD drivers on it taking up 7 GB of HHD space? And you want to know if its safe to delete it???

Personally I would phone up support and ask what its for before removing any files... better safe than sorry.

JR

[whs]

I am afraid you will have to live with winsxs. It is the system's side by side folder that is essential for the operation of the system (contains e.g. .dlls). The bad news is, it will grow over time. Mine is 11GBs and I have seen 15GBs. It grows with the installation of new programs. There is nothing you can do. If you delete it and you are lucky, Vista will swiftly create a new generic one. If you are unlucky, the system will crash. Can't win. Here is some useful reading (http://www.winvistaclub.com/f16.html ).