I386 folder

  • Thread starter Thread starter Brian
  • Start date Start date
B

Brian

Upon Clicking My Computer/Local Disk C from Start Menu, I
found this new I386 folder that I've never seen before.
It has tons of little files that looked weird. Maybe
it's been there all along, but I never noticed it. Most
of the folders that I see have common sense names!

Is this folder supposed to be where it is, or should it
be "hidden" out of my view? At any rate, what was
the "factory" setting supposed to be?

Thanks!
 
Upon Clicking My Computer/Local Disk C from Start Menu, I
found this new I386 folder that I've never seen before.
It has tons of little files that looked weird. Maybe
it's been there all along, but I never noticed it. Most
of the folders that I see have common sense names!

Is this folder supposed to be where it is, or should it
be "hidden" out of my view? At any rate, what was
the "factory" setting supposed to be?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

If Windows was preinstalled on your computer, it is a copy of the Windows
setup files. There is no default setting for the folder since it is not a
standard part of a Windows installation but added by the OEM.

If you have the room, it's a handy folder to have around.
Uninstalling/reinstalling system components can be done with this folder
instead of the XP CD.

Also, may want to check your recovery options as outlined in the system's
documentation. The OEM recovery CD may hold an image to return the system
to "factory state" and the folder on the hard drive may be intended for a
repair routine.
 
Wow...good info, Sharon. Like Brian, I came across this
folder and decided that it was an enigma.

I have an e-Machine and have had to use their restore disk
(s) twice. It sure cleans up the junk on the hard drive.
Unfortunately it takes a long time to get the machine back
to the way I like it.

Real soon now I am going to sit down and write out a list
of all the settings and files that have to be added after
the restore.

I have to admit that I really like what e-Machines has
done by providing the three restore CDs. The operating
software is so complicated that it seems to accumulate
errors over time that eventually get to the point that a
system restore is needed. Thanks again for the info on
the I386 folder.

KB
 
You will also have in the Windows folder, a subdirectory called
ServicePackFiles\I386, with all the updated files you downloaded,.
 
I have to admit that I really like what e-Machines has
done by providing the three restore CDs.
Click to expand...

You're very welcome!

With "restore to factory state" CDs being so prevalent, it may be a good
time to learn more about imaging software. Especially if you have a complex
setup and/or a lot of extra software installed. Set XP and your
applications the way that you want. Create an image. If things go south,
restore from the image and save yourself hours of work.

At the very least, check out a good backup package so that you have a
current backup of your personal data files. You can always reinstall
programs from original media. The same doesn't hold true for your important
files: emails, documents, etc.
 
Back
Top