Dell setup folders safe to delete after format/Xp reistall?

Hi, All

I have just completed a format/reinstallation of XP Pro on my Inspiron 5150. I have updated the OS on Microsoft Updates, installed and configured all my software, and tweaked the system the way I like it. Everything is working great!

I intend to use this laptop for digital music recording, and would like to reclaim as much hard disk space as I can.


SO... I am interested in deleting any UNNECESSARY setup files and folders.


I know that XP and various programs can leave backup and setup files on the disk, I would assume so that one can "roll back" or uninstall drivers and programs. Makes sense, but I'm pretty satisfied with the way the system is working, and I have no need to roll anything back at this point.

I DO understand the usefulness of the i386 folder and the MSO Microsoft Office setup files, and I plan to leave those alone.

l also have had no problem removing the (80+!) Win XP Hotfix folders (left over from Microsoft Updates) and removing their links in Add/Remove programs.



I am SPECIFICALLY interested here in removing any DELL backup or installation files that are not needed for normal operation.



My question: There are a number of what appear to be Dell backup or installation folders on my system. Some of the folders are in the C:\ root directory, but some are located in the Program Files directory, "mixed in" with folders I KNOW are actual program directories.


HERE are the four folders I would like to be able to delete, if I won't disable anything. (Remember, assume I'm not interested in being able to uninstall or roll back any drivers or programs.)


C:\DRIVERS (31MB) (Folder looks to me like it contains driver setup files for Audio, Docking, Modem, Network, etc. Are these files important for system operation, or just for initial setup or future reinstalls?)


C:\Program Files\Dell\Notebook System Software (1.1MB) (Folder contains 24 subfolders, names like "Q332179_WXP_SP2_x86_ARA". Each subfolder contains three files, gv3.sys, gv3qfe.cat and qfe.inf. What ARE these folders/files, and are they used in system operation, just for setup, or for future device setup?)


C:\Program Files\Dell Computer Corporation\Notebook System Software (Contents identical to the above folder. Are either or BOTH necessary, and If one may be removed, which one?)


C:\Program Files\Dell Computer Corporation\Mobile Pentium 4 Hyperthreading Driver (1MB) (This folder sounds serious! Contains 24 subfolders, names like ARA, CHS, CHT, etc. Each subfolder contains three files, intelppm.sys, ippmqfe.cat and ippmqfe.inf. What are these folders/files for?



I reallize that I will not recover gobs of hard drive space by deleting 30MB worth of files. I am just trying to LEARN something here!

How about it... anyone know about this stuff? Like what the folders above are for?

Thanks!!

Ken

 

Ok why do you keep Microsoft office folders? i deleted them too with dell folder ( all unziped drivers ) and Intel Folder ( which is the same as dell folder) and everything runs fine.
dont touch the folders in program files thats my opinion.

 

You need to keep MSO OFFICE cached file folder in order to be able to perform live updates from the Officeupdate site without requiring media evertime you update a patch for an Office product. I always leave those files alone, otherwise it always asks to provide the original install media which is a pain if it's stored away in a binder that you don't always feel like opening up.

Just my 0.02 cents.

 

oh okay i was just wondering, i keep the bin on my hard anyway thanks for your response.

 

Ok, on another note.. I need to know if anyone has Vista and has resized partitions, namely the C: drive which is kept as the main Windows partition as a large partition. The D: drive has all the other drivers and crap, but can I delete all those files and somehow create a new partition with the resized C: drive space?

I know Vista has a builtin shrink util within the Disk Management service, but when I try to shrink the C: drive and have an unallocated partition, I can't create a new partition with the unallocated space.

Anyone offer some suggestions?

Btw, this new I6400 is great. Fast pc, great screen, good speakers, and the right size/weight. Battery doesn't last as long as I'd like but I guess that's the tradeoff for a standalone vid card and fast proc.