Deleting Program Directories

[Bob Simon]

I need to free up space on the C drive. After Disk Cleanup I used Add
Remove Programs to get rid of all the programs I don't need, but there
are still a bunch Program Files. Is it OK to simply delete these:

Messenger
Microsoft ActiveSync
Microsoft frontpage
Movie Maker
MSN
MSN Gaming Zone
NetMeeting
Online Services
Outlook Express (I use Outlook)

If it would be a good idea, I can use regedit to search for these keys
and remove branches from HKCU\Software and HKLM\Software.

Also, there are a few directories in Common Files that I'd like to
remove:
AnswerWorks 4.0
Designer
SpeechEngines

 

[Guest]

Don't recommend you delete anything. Use Uninstall to get rid of apps
and/or programs you no longer want or use. Use Add or remove programs
or check each program for an uninstall feature under All Programs. Be
careful deleting any files for they may be shared files and used by more
than one program. By your question alone, I surmise you have limited
knowledge of deleting/uninstalling, thus recommend you do not edit the
Registry without other assistance.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

As most, if not all, of them are considered part of the system folders set,
you will likely find that you cannot delete them regardless of whether or
not you use the program(s).

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Bob Simon]

Thank you for your reply, Rick. Since I need the space, I'm motivated
to try to remove them anyway unless it's a really bad idea.

I once removed a terrible virus that I couldn't get rid of while
Windows was running by booting from a Bart PE disc. Is there any
reason to believe that removing these directories will result in
Windows failing to boot later?
Bob

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

No, but you may find that they are recreated when you boot into Windows.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

You are suggesting removal of these files in order to gain 20 to 25MB of Space?
Messenger can be uninstalled, but FrontPage can't; Outlook Express reappears
by itself.
Not worth the risk OR effort.