winsxs folder?

[Blithe]

Re: W2K Pro (SP4) - can I delete the winsxs folder

My WINNT folder tree contains a 'winsxs' folder that's 8.8MB & created Sept.
2007. I found it doing some cleanup. Some Google searches indicate that
winsxs has some relevance to WinXP and Vista functions only - & as a dll
file backup. Other Google hits refer to developmental project functions.
Many Google hits represent inquiries like this one but no threads seem to
offer solutions.

Most references to winsxs seem too technical to be intended for the average
home user regardless of such user's expertise. I found no relevant
references on the Microsoft Knowledge base.

I am very curious how this apparent deadwood folder got installed on my W2K
PC (my guess would be by a Windows update) but I'm more concerned about how
to safely get rid of it. I'd appreciate this forum's advice.

Blithe

 

[Bob I]

Best guess is that it was placed there by some program you installed or
"upgraded" version wise in Sept 2007. Basically it's for resolving DLL
hell, by parking the new version the program needed in it's "own cubby
hole". It may have been a Windows update, or some other program. What is
in it will be a clue. Also looking for other folders matching that date
may give you an answer.

 

[Blithe]

There's an interesting thread discussion of the 'winsxs' folder on this
forum address:
http://forums.microsoft.com/technet...0&siteid=17&sb=0&d=1&at=7&ft=11&tf=0&pageid=1

The thread applies to WinXP & Vista only. Frustrated users who are
concerned about drive space are asking why the winsxs folder grows without
end to & with no intelligent computer software design purpose. I echo that
after reading the weak forum replies urging not to delete the files or the
duplicate files within that ever expanding folder.

I'd still like to know: What is the function of 'winsxs' on Windows 2000 &
what operation put it there? My PC has two large capacity harddrives so
it's not an urgent issue at this time. It's an annoyance I will deal with
later, if necessary, by backing up the folder & register, deleting winsxs,
and checking the impact on W2K and the register. Can this forum suggest a
better solution? With appreciation & thanks - Blithe

 

[DL]

I've never seen this folder in any of my win2k installations, I believe
therefore it must have been produced by something you installed