Clean out Windows\WinSxS folder

[DKF]

I am cleaning up my machine before doing a drive image and notice there is a
c:\windows\WinSxS folder there with multiple subdirectories. Can I safely
clean this out and delete it? Machine now is running fine now.

 

[R. McCarty]

Best to leave it alone. In XP certain applications require specific
version DLL (Dynamic Link Libraries). SxS stands for Side-by-Side
and allow those apps to maintain libraries for their own specific use.

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

No, please don't delete that folder. Please read the following:

COM and Shared DLL Isolation Support

Windows XP has a new folder under Windows called "WinSxS" (Windows Side-by-
Side). This area is used to store versions of Windows XP components that
are built to reduce configuration problems with Dynamic Link Libraries
(DLL) hell). Multiple versions of components are stored in this
folder. Windows XP allows Win32® API components and applications to use the
exact version of Microsoft components with which they are tested and not be
impacted by other application or operating system updates. It does this by
relying on XML files that contain metadata about application configuration
such as COM classes, interfaces, and type libraries.


--



Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups

 

[DKF]

Thanks for the info. I am trying to get rid of whatever isn't needed so I
can get my driveimage onto just a few CD's. I'll let this directory alone
<G>.