Driver cache

  • Thread starter Thread starter MissAnnie
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MissAnnie

I am cleaning up my computer by getting rid of some cache
files. I did a search for chache. "Drivers cache" came
up. Is it safe to remove driver cache? When I try to do
it, I click on SELECT ALL then I go to delete it and my
only option is to EXTRACT. I would deeply appreciate any
help on this. What gives??? Is ther a rule of thumb when
is comes to cahce removal?? Thanks, Annie
 
Windows XP includes an enormous library of drivers-for printers,
keyboards, scanners, mice and related pointing devices, digital cameras,
and other devices-in a single compressed file called Driver.cab.
(You'll find this file located in the %SystemRoot%\ Driver Cache\i386 folder.)

All the drivers in this file are certified to be fully compatible with Windows XP
and are digitally signed by Microsoft. When you install a new Plug and Play
compatible device, Windows checks this location first. If it finds a suitable driver,
installation proceeds automatically.

If you don't understand what to delete when cleaning up your
computer, then don't delete anything. I would suggest using
System Mechanic (www.iolo.com) to safely perform cleanup
operations.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I am cleaning up my computer by getting rid of some cache
| files. I did a search for chache. "Drivers cache" came
| up. Is it safe to remove driver cache? When I try to do
| it, I click on SELECT ALL then I go to delete it and my
| only option is to EXTRACT. I would deeply appreciate any
| help on this. What gives??? Is ther a rule of thumb when
| is comes to cahce removal?? Thanks, Annie
 
No, but there is a rule of thumb when it comes to you, trying to do
something that is detrimental to your machine. You don't know, so leave it
alone - until "after" you find out if it is OK.

In this case, it isn't OK!

If you need more room on your computer, uninstall some of those unused
programs, of which we all (me included) have so many! If you need the
program in 3-4 months, you can always install it again!

--
Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard :-)
 
MissAnnie said:
I am cleaning up my computer by getting rid of some cache
files. I did a search for chache. "Drivers cache" came
up. Is it safe to remove driver cache? When I try to do
it, I click on SELECT ALL then I go to delete it and my
only option is to EXTRACT.
Click to expand...

Those are driver files that might be needed if you install a new piece
of hardware, or if something damages one that is in use so that the
system has to get a backup copy in a hurry. Leave it alone.
 
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