Any way to clean backed up files?

Here's a screen. It shows the size of the C:\Windows\winsxs folder which is takin up an awful lot of space which I wonder if I can reclaim somehow.


Click here for Image


The reason for me to post this thread in Windows Updates section is because I know that this is the folder used by Windows Update to back-up files. On my dual boot XP install I have sometimes reclaimed space by deleting a few of the windows Update back-up folders.

I wonder If the same can be done for Vista?

Now, I know that it's not right to delete such system back-ups but If my system is running fine after a month of installing the update, then I guess, it should be fine to delete them.

Also, I wouldn't mind it if it was a few MB but this folder's a whooping 8gigs which I could use in a better way for sure!

Any reply is greatly appreciated, Thanks!

Hi Dragor,

You might find this Tutorial helpful in cleaning up the extra files

Extended Disk Cleanup

Steven

Hey! Thanks dmex!

The tool was amazing! I really didn't know that there could be so many options!

However, my problem still remains! But, I've searched a lot and found some answers.

Its clear now to me as to what the purpose of Winsxs folder is.

The original intent of my post was whether or not it was possible to find and possibly delete without affecting system stability the files that are backed up by windows updates.

Thanks for the reply!

P.S.: I'll post a few questions on your extended disk cleanup utility, so if u would be so kind to reply, I would be obliged!

so DRAGOR what was your answer, its alway nice to share info especial as you wanted info in the first place..

If you are asking about the WinSXS folder, then this link ought to satisfy all your curiosity:

The Secret Of Vista's Winsxs Folder.

or this:

https://thinstall.com/help/index.php..._side(sxs).htm


If you are asking about my question, then I believe it may be a lost cause. If you are wondering why then just try a search on this forum with the name "Winsxs" and you'll know why!

I can say that what I am looking for, the backed up files of a windows update, are
really in this WinSXS folder, but unfortunately deleting this folder would be as good as going back to Windows 98 era as I just might land in "THE DLL HELL" ;-) :-P

Still, if anyone ever cleverly manages to sort through all that junk that's lying around in that folder and manages to single out the windows updates backups which can be deleted without significant harm to the system, I would be glad!

Untill then, I think its high time I burned a few disks to free up some space on my drive!