Service Pack Files Directory

[Randy Harris]

I'm running XP Pro. In my C:\Windows directory there is a sub called
"Service Pack Files". It is very large. Does XP need that directory and
its files? If I am not concerned with being able to uninstall the Service
Pack, can I delete that directory?

Thanks for you help

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Randy,

Keep the directory, it is the backup/cache of all the files added/upgraded
when you installed SP1. If you reinstall a system component (like IE), and
sometimes if you add software, you will need them. If you run the system
file check (sfc) and are prompted to replace a damaged system file, you will
need it. This folder is NOT the installation backup folder and should NEVER
be deleted. It's akin to retaining your WinXP CD or I386 folder after
installing the system. If you can't find it when you need it, you may be
stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The uninstall directory will be a hidden compressed folder under the
%windir% called $NtServicepackUninstall$. That compressed directory can be
deleted provided you are satisfied that you will never need to uninstall
SP1.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Randy Harris]

Hi Randy,

Keep the directory, it is the backup/cache of all the files added/upgraded
when you installed SP1. If you reinstall a system component (like IE), and
sometimes if you add software, you will need them. If you run the system
file check (sfc) and are prompted to replace a damaged system file, you will
need it. This folder is NOT the installation backup folder and should NEVER
be deleted. It's akin to retaining your WinXP CD or I386 folder after
installing the system. If you can't find it when you need it, you may be
stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The uninstall directory will be a hidden compressed folder under the
%windir% called $NtServicepackUninstall$. That compressed directory can be
deleted provided you are satisfied that you will never need to uninstall
SP1.

Thanks Rick, you've prevented me from doing something disastrous. Would you
happen to know if there is a "safe" way to move that directory to another
drive, or must I leave it in C:\Windows?

Randy

 

[Alex Nichol]

I'm running XP Pro. In my C:\Windows directory there is a sub called
"Service Pack Files". It is very large. Does XP need that directory and
its files?

It contains the service pack file versions for use in preference to ones
from the original CD if needed by File Protection/SFC/New Hardware etc.
On an NTFS drive a useful amount of space can be saved by compressing
it. What you can do if you have a CD burner is burn the complete folder
to a CD, then run regedit.exe and at

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

Change the value of ServicePackSourcePath in the right pane to reflect
the drive. Best if you have 2 drives, and can have the original
SourcePath on one and this on the other

 

[Randy Harris]

It contains the service pack file versions for use in preference to ones
from the original CD if needed by File Protection/SFC/New Hardware etc.
On an NTFS drive a useful amount of space can be saved by compressing
it. What you can do if you have a CD burner is burn the complete folder
to a CD, then run regedit.exe and at

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

Change the value of ServicePackSourcePath in the right pane to reflect
the drive. Best if you have 2 drives, and can have the original
SourcePath on one and this on the other

I moved the directory to another drive and modified the registry key. Is it
safe to run sfc to verify that it can get to it?

Thanks,
Randy

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Randy,

Yes, it is, and Alex's advice is spot-on (as always).

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Randy Harris]

Hi Randy,

Yes, it is, and Alex's advice is spot-on (as always).

You guys are great. Thanks very much for your help.

Randy Harris