Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Misc. Forums > Computer/Internet Issues & Troubleshooting
Reload this Page >

windows installer folder 15gb in size!!!


Notices
Computer/Internet Issues & Troubleshooting Anyone with questions about the terribly complex world of computers or the internet should try here. NOT FOR REPORTING ISSUES WITH PPRuNe FORUMS! Please use the subforum "PPRuNe Problems or Queries."

windows installer folder 15gb in size!!!

Old 3rd December 2008 | 23:01
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: cornwall
windows installer folder 15gb in size!!!

I've recently been watching my c: drive available memory dropping, on closer inspection the windows installer folder is 15gb in size and increasing!!! I've googled my problem with no real answers and researched the installer folder. As far as I can make out it is simply a backup for every program you install and if I delete the whole thing there will be no real consequences to my system, will there??????
pauli is offline  
Reply
Old 4th December 2008 | 18:58
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 565
Likes: 21
From: Passed away on Sept 6th
... not unless...

No, you won't suffer any probs to you running programs. However, there is the odd occasion when - say - MS Office gets corrupted. (Had that happen a time or three: something to do with my trying to fix summat that wasn't broken, probably.) At that time, you will get the Office God suggesting you might like to repair...or you might make that decision for yourself.

At that point, it's great to watch Windoze look for, find, and reinstall your software for you. Saves finding the cd, fighting the machine for the right place to look - you probably have done this from time to time, & know that sometimes it's a bit frustrating.

But ok, your choice!
Jim
jimtherev is offline  
Reply
Old 4th December 2008 | 19:11
  #3 (permalink)  
Administrator
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 8,121
Likes: 686
From: Twickenham, home of rugby
To be on the safe side, create a complete disk image of the system before starting.

Then delete what you want, test all your apps (and what happens if you want to remove & reinstall) and then decide if you want to restore your image or stay as you are.

When I want to do that sort of testing, I usually acquire an additional disk of the appropriate size and type, take the disk image, swap the disks over and put the old image on the new disk, thus leaving the original disk untouched.

Belt, braces, chewing gum and baling wire!

SD
Saab Dastard is offline  
Reply
Old 4th December 2008 | 20:01
  #4 (permalink)  
bnt
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 755
Likes: 26
From: Dublin, Ireland. (No, I just live here.)
Try running Disk Cleanup (under Accessories / System Tools), which should safely deal with that and a lot of other stuff. However, beware of "Compress Old Files" unless it's a fast PC.
bnt is offline  
Reply
Old 4th December 2008 | 22:25
  #5 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: cornwall
I've run regcure and ccleaner which have got rid of over 1000 files and seemed to have speeded things up a bit, unfortunately they only knocked off 100MB or so. I think I'll take SD's advice and back it up to my external hard drive then wipe the lot....fingers crossed!
pauli is offline  
Reply
Old 4th December 2008 | 22:28
  #6 (permalink)  
Administrator
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 8,121
Likes: 686
From: Twickenham, home of rugby
Pauli,

Backup is good, but I was referring to a complete disk image, using Ghost or True image or some such. This allows a complete and exact restore or replication to another disk.

Can't do that with a simple copy!

SD
Saab Dastard is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.