MSO Cache files

[Roy]

As my C drive is running out of space, I want to remove unnecessary
files and compress those that can be removed.
Among my choice is the MSO Cache,... is it safe to do so?
What are other files in the C drive that is not needed for my system
aside from the programs that can be removed?
TIA
Roy

 

[JS]

Here is a list of things you can do without
deleting the MSO cache.

First use Windows 'Disk Cleanup' to create more space on your C: drive.
Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

Next: Empty the Recycle Bin.

If you recently installed Windows XP Service Pack 3:
Look for an odd folder name which is located here
C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\cf8ec753e88561d..........\
Note: the apparent random set of letter and number may vary from my
example above but whatever the name is, it will be more than
600MB in size and can be safely deleted.
You may also see a number of other folders or files located in the:
C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\ directory
They also can be deleted.

You can also free up more disk space by reducing
the number of 'System Restore' points:
Select Start/Control Panel/System, then in the System Properties window
click on the System Restore tab.
Next select the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C,
Then click on the Setting button
Now in the Drive Settings window move the Disk space usage slider to the
left to reduce the amount of drive space System Restore points will use.
This will remove some of the older restore points and free up some space.

Disable Hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file (If you have it enabled):
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/...sys-hibernation-file-in-windows-xp-and-vista/
and:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernate.mspx
and: http://www.softwarepatch.com/tips/hiberfil-sys-xp.html

If you are using IE7 and then installed SP3 read the info below.
IE7 users will find the folders listed below on their hard drive:
$NtServicePackUninstallIDNMitigationAPIs$
$NtServicePackUninstallNLSDownlevelMapping$
They are needed to uninstall IE7. However, if you installed IE7 and
then installed XP SP3 you can no longer uninstall IE7 and these
folders can also be deleted.

Note: The recommended procedure before installing XP SP3 is to
uninstall IE7, then install XP SP3. Now you still have the ability to
install and uninstall IE7.

Next if you still need more space:
Remove the files used to uninstall updates to Windows
These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,
however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or
update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.
I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of folders
and delete the older updates.
As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.
These files are located in the Windows folder and have folder names
like $NtUninstallKBXXXXXX$.
They are hidden folders so enable viewing of hidden files in Windows
Explorer.
Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$
Also See the following web pages on this issue:
http://www.pagestart.com/ntuninstall.html
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

If you upgraded your PC from Windows 98 to Windows XP.
The $Win98UpdateUninstall$ can be deleted.

You can reduce the size of the Internet Explorer Disk Cache:
How and Why to Clear Your Cache:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx
Just follow the instructions but instead of increasing the size
(as stated in the article) decrease it.

Finally: Check the Recycle Bin one more time and empty it
if necessary as some of those files you deleted in the steps
mentioned above may find there way into the recycle bin.

If you have more than one partition or drive then:
How to Change the Default Location of Mail and News Folders:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307971/en-us

Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder
(Example: move it to the D drive)
See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310147
Also:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_to_move_my_documents.htm

How to move the Spool folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308666

Can I move or delete my C:\I386 directory to free up some space?
See:
http://ask-leo.com/can_i_move_or_delete_my_i386_directory_to_free_up_some_space.html
Note: C:\i386 is not to be confused with the
C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder which should not
be moved or deleted as Windows File Protection needs those files

JS
http://www.pagestart.com

 

[Himanshu Dogra]

Hi...

Follow the follwing steps:
Before doing these steps please download and install the software which i
have told you in step 5 and then restart the computer in safe mode. For safe
mode start pressing the F8 key again and again when u switch on the computer,
then you will get advanced boot menu options. Select safe mode and click yes
if promted.

1. Click on start-->run-->type in " prefetch " and press enter.

2. Click on edit on top left hand side of the prefetch windows and click on
selct all. Delete all the files in this windows. Dont worry you wont loose
anything from computer . these files are actually making the computer slow.

3. Click on start-->run-->type in "%temp%" and press enter and delete as
many files you can from this windows. You may not be able to delete all the
files because some files are not allowed to delete by windows.

4. Click on start-->run-->type in " cleanmgr " and press enter. select c
drive and try to scan the computer. In the last again click on ok....it will
delete all unnecessary junk files from the computer.

5. Download this software from this link:
http://www.filehippo.com/download/f...6e331eaa99bbf15fcd26fc8c4d02805478fe1c85cbca/

6. In this software click on--> analyse ur computer and then click on run
cleaner. it will remove all the junk hidden files and im sure computer should
become little fast.





cheers..!!
--
Regards

Himanshu Dogra
B.Engg, GCB, DBA, MISM (Australia)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003
Ex-Microsoft Server Engineer(Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 &
Microsoft Exchange Server)

 

[John John (MVP)]

Hi...

Follow the follwing steps:
Before doing these steps please download and install the software which i
have told you in step 5 and then restart the computer in safe mode. For safe
mode start pressing the F8 key again and again when u switch on the computer,
then you will get advanced boot menu options. Select safe mode and click yes
if promted.

1. Click on start-->run-->type in " prefetch " and press enter.

2. Click on edit on top left hand side of the prefetch windows and click on
selct all. Delete all the files in this windows. Dont worry you wont loose
anything from computer . these files are actually making the computer slow.

That is completely false, nothing but a myth or a bad tweak propagated
by persons who didn't (don't) know any better. If you understand Paging
and Memory Management you will be able to lay this false tweak aside,
start by reading the Prefetch section here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc302206.aspx

John

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 8:08:59 AM, and on a whim,
John John (MVP) pounded out on the keyboard:

That is completely false, nothing but a myth or a bad tweak propagated
by persons who didn't (don't) know any better. If you understand Paging
and Memory Management you will be able to lay this false tweak aside,
start by reading the Prefetch section here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc302206.aspx

John

John,

This is one of those issues that can only be realized by personal
experience. I have had to troubleshoot a few times where I was unable
to figure out why a program was taking so long to load, or not load at
all. And as a last resort, deleted the entries in the Prefetch folder
resolved it. Not all the time by any means, but it has happened.

T-shooting computers isn't always about "this is the way it works, end
of story". Quite often I'm telling a client, it SHOULD be working, but
it's not. And then I have to find out why. It's one of those things,
that if it works for you, great. We'll leave it at that.

Since there is not really any harm in removing the entries, it's one of
those things that is non-destructive. And who knows what may come of it?

Terry R.

 

[JS]

Assuming the user has not deleted a large
number of applications prior to deleting
the prefetch cache then over time the same'
set of cache files will once again exist.

Deleting these file can't hurt, may improve
performance (after a few days) but not a
very good space saving idea.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 9:16:42 AM, and on a whim,
JS pounded out on the keyboard:

Assuming the user has not deleted a large
number of applications prior to deleting
the prefetch cache then over time the same'
set of cache files will once again exist.

Deleting these file can't hurt, may improve
performance (after a few days) but not a
very good space saving idea.

You're quite right in light of the OP's request regarding disk space.


Terry R.

 

[John John (MVP)]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 8:08:59 AM, and on a whim,
John John (MVP) pounded out on the keyboard:


John,

This is one of those issues that can only be realized by personal
experience. I have had to troubleshoot a few times where I was unable
to figure out why a program was taking so long to load, or not load at
all. And as a last resort, deleted the entries in the Prefetch folder
resolved it. Not all the time by any means, but it has happened.

T-shooting computers isn't always about "this is the way it works, end
of story". Quite often I'm telling a client, it SHOULD be working, but
it's not. And then I have to find out why. It's one of those things,
that if it works for you, great. We'll leave it at that.

Since there is not really any harm in removing the entries, it's one of
those things that is non-destructive. And who knows what may come of it?

My comment was in response to the statement that "these (prefetch) files
are actually making the computer slow". That is nothing but bunk!

John

 

[Mike H]

Actually, think about it before you make the final decision to delete the
MSO Cache. If you do, your Office updates might turn into a bit of a pain.
Take a look at this KB
;
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/825933

 

[JS]

Yep, especially if you switch back and forth between
two versions of MS Office.

 

[Bill Sharpe]

Here is a list of things you can do without
deleting the MSO cache.

First use Windows 'Disk Cleanup' to create more space on your C: drive.
Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

Note that this kb article also mentions an MS tool that lets you move
the MSO Cache to another drive.

Bill

 

[Tim Meddick]

Clicking upon your quoted link - the page it brought me to "Description of
the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP" (Article ID: 310312) makes no mention
of the MSO Cache files. I am responding to this not out of a misguided
sense of 'duty' that compels me to take delight in telling people of their
mistakes, but. I am genuinely disappointed as would have liked to read
more on the MS tool mentioned. I thought it might be handy to keep the MSO
Cache even though I do still have the [Office 2K3] installation cd. Moving
it off to the other hard drive would be a bonus.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 10:49:12 AM, and on a whim,
Mike H pounded out on the keyboard:

Actually, think about it before you make the final decision to delete the
MSO Cache. If you do, your Office updates might turn into a bit of a pain.
Take a look at this KB
;
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/825933

Hi Mike,

You're absolutely right about that one. I've had network workstations
missing certain cabs (go figure) and I've had to point to the install
location on a server to get the update to complete.


Terry R.

 

[Roy]

Thanks , here are my comments..

First use Windows 'Disk Cleanup' to create more space on your C: drive.
Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

I did that already but seems inefficient?

Next: Empty the Recycle Bin.

I also did that

If you recently installed Windows XP Service Pack 3:
Look for an odd folder name which is located here
C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\cf8ec753e88561d..........\
Note: the apparent random set of letter and number may vary from my
example above but whatever the name is, it will be more than
600MB in size and can be safely deleted.
You may also see a number of other folders or files located in the:
C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\  directory
They also can be deleted.

Yes I did a recent Sp3 install but have thoughts of rolling back to
Sp2 due to problems of it slowing my boot up time.... maybe there are
some errors in the installation that I did not recognize?

You can also free up more disk space by reducing
the number of 'System Restore' points:
Select Start/Control Panel/System, then in the System Properties window
click on the System Restore tab.
Next select the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C,
Then click on the Setting button
Now in the Drive Settings window move the Disk space usage slider to the
left to reduce the amount of drive space System Restore points will use.
This will remove some of the older restore points and free up some space.

That is what I plan to do , but only after the Sp3 bugs are fixed.....
Indeed therare about

Disable Hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file (If you have it enabled):http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/10/25/how-to-delete-and-remove-hib...
and:http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernat....
and:http://www.softwarepatch.com/tips/hiberfil-sys-xp.html

I have disabled the hibernation already in the past..

If you are using IE7 and then installed SP3 read the info below.
IE7 users will find the folders listed below on their hard drive:

I am not using yet the IE 7 and I am still with IE6...

Next if you still need more space:
Remove the files used to uninstall updates to Windows
These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,
however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or
update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.
I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of folders
and delete the older updates.
As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.
These files are located in the Windows folder and have folder names
like $NtUninstallKBXXXXXX$.
They are hidden folders so enable viewing of hidden files in Windows
Explorer.

Hmm, how about transferring these folders to the D partition of my
hard drive?

Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$
Also See the following web pages on this issue:http://www.pagestart.com/ntuninstal...ww.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm
I took note of it...

You can reduce the size of the Internet Explorer Disk Cache:
How and Why to Clear Your Cache:http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clear...
Just follow the instructions but instead of increasing the size
(as stated in the article) decrease it.

I am still reading on that....

Finally: Check the Recycle Bin one more time and empty it
if necessary as some of those files you deleted in the steps
mentioned above may find there way into the recycle bin.

I had emptied it once more...

If you have more than one partition or drive then:
How to Change the Default Location of Mail and News Folders:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307971/en-us

Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder
(Example: move it to the D drive)
See:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310147
Also:http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_to_move_my_documents.htm

Hmm I am thinking of that also

How to move the Spool folder in Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308666

Well as I seldom print with that PC maybe that folder is not well
loaded.... with files I think...

Can I move or delete my C:\I386 directory to free up some space?
See:http://ask-leo.com/can_i_move_or_delete_my_i386_directory_to_free_up_....
Note: C:\i386 is not to be confused with the
C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder which should not
be moved or deleted as Windows File Protection needs those files

I have compressed t hat file already as its possible with NTFS...is
that okay?

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 1:44:57 PM, and on a whim,
Tim Meddick pounded out on the keyboard:

Clicking upon your quoted link - the page it brought me to "Description of
the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP" (Article ID: 310312) makes no mention
of the MSO Cache files. I am responding to this not out of a misguided
sense of 'duty' that compels me to take delight in telling people of their
mistakes, but. I am genuinely disappointed as would have liked to read
more on the MS tool mentioned. I thought it might be handy to keep the MSO
Cache even though I do still have the [Office 2K3] installation cd. Moving
it off to the other hard drive would be a bonus.

Tim,

I just searched my registry and there are only 6 references to my
MSOCache folder on D:. So it would be quite easy to change those
references to another drive letter and move the folder.

I must have moved mine at some point because my OS's are always on C:
and all my apps are on E:, so I probably placed the folder on my data drive.


Terry R.

 

[Roy]

Yep, especially if you switch back and forth between
two versions of MS Office.

--

Hmm I had been thinking of reverting back to Office2003 as the file
size is smaller and the system is simpler, from your own experience
are there any advantages of the 2003 vs the 2007 version... I did not
notice any improvement except for that ribbon thing, I was thinking
the MSO cache of the 2003 is a lot smaller?
My office2007 is the enterprise edition ...

 

[Mike H]

Hmm I had been thinking of reverting back to Office2003 as the file
size is smaller and the system is simpler, from your own experience
are there any advantages of the 2003 vs the 2007 version... I did not
notice any improvement except for that ribbon thing, I was thinking
the MSO cache of the 2003 is a lot smaller?
My office2007 is the enterprise edition ...

Oh boy, you're asking the wrong person. I have a personal problem with
Office 2007 that's just plain irrational! I'm SO much more productive with
2003, especially since advanced options and dialogs are easier to get to
(advanced paragraph formatting and styles, for instance), not to mention
that 2003's menus more closely match XP standards.

On top of that, Office 2003, if you have it updated, is a steady
application. I would be sure that the "Compatibility Pack for the 2007
Office System" was installed, though, so you can take advantage of reading
and writing Office 2007 documents (.docx files for instance).

Having said that, there's no doubt that Office 2007 is going to be
supported for years after 2003's support ends. Lots of people like it just
fine. If you, or others using your computer, don't consider yourself a
power user, you really might find that ribbon easy to use. Ha! I'm thinking
of Microsoft-type statements, as well as others, that 90% of the users use
10% of the functionality. That ribbon's not going to improve that number.
Anyway, sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't just bite the bullet and learn to
be productive with 2007. Maybe I'll do that on my next machine, which will
no doubt have Windows 7 on it.

That's my personal two cents worth...

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 2:24:52 PM, and on a whim,
Roy pounded out on the keyboard:

Thanks , here are my comments..

I did that already but seems inefficient?

I also did that

Yes I did a recent Sp3 install but have thoughts of rolling back to
Sp2 due to problems of it slowing my boot up time.... maybe there are
some errors in the installation that I did not recognize?


That is what I plan to do , but only after the Sp3 bugs are fixed.....
Indeed therare about


I have disabled the hibernation already in the past..


I am not using yet the IE 7 and I am still with IE6...



Hmm, how about transferring these folders to the D partition of my
hard drive?

Hi Roy,

I also remove patch install folders from \windows. I only keep a couple
months on hand and then remove the others if everything is working fine.

My XP drive is only using 6.5 gig currently. I have my apps installed
on an E: drive that all OS's use. I did that long ago so each app
didn't have to be installed on each OS, I only have one install of every
app and all the OS's use them. You could remove some of your larger
programs and perform a custom install (most allow that) to point the
install to your D drive.

Another option, if you have plenty of space on D:, you could install
Easeus Partition Manager (free version) and reduce the size of your D:
and enlarge your C partition. I would create a complete backup first
and VERIFY it, even though the process should go fine.
http://www.partition-tool.com/


Terry R.

 

[Tim Meddick]

Thanks, again, I'm just not thinking straight! I took one look at the words
"move the MSO Cache" and "TOOL" and immediately wanted the so-called
labour-saving program. I'm just terminally attracted to little programs
that do what I should be intelligent enough to roll up my sleeves and do
myself.

--

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 1:44:57 PM, and on a whim,
Tim Meddick pounded out on the keyboard:

Clicking upon your quoted link - the page it brought me to "Description
of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP" (Article ID: 310312) makes no
mention of the MSO Cache files. I am responding to this not out of a
misguided sense of 'duty' that compels me to take delight in telling
people of their mistakes, but. I am genuinely disappointed as would
have liked to read more on the MS tool mentioned. I thought it might be
handy to keep the MSO Cache even though I do still have the [Office 2K3]
installation cd. Moving it off to the other hard drive would be a bonus.

Tim,

I just searched my registry and there are only 6 references to my MSOCache
folder on D:. So it would be quite easy to change those references to
another drive letter and move the folder.

I must have moved mine at some point because my OS's are always on C: and
all my apps are on E:, so I probably placed the folder on my data drive.


Terry R.

 

[JS]

I'm using Office 2002 or 2003 and have not tried the latest version.

--
JS
http:/www.pagestart.com

Yep, especially if you switch back and forth between
two versions of MS Office.

--

Hmm I had been thinking of reverting back to Office2003 as the file
size is smaller and the system is simpler, from your own experience
are there any advantages of the 2003 vs the 2007 version... I did not
notice any improvement except for that ribbon thing, I was thinking
the MSO cache of the 2003 is a lot smaller?
My office2007 is the enterprise edition ...