How do you get a list of what you actually need on the hard drive?

Question

I want to go into there and start deleteing programs and I am afraid that something is vital to its operation and I really need it.
So how do you find out what is necessary and what isn't?

Answer 1

Key point: do NOT delete anything in the Windows directory or any directory inside it, no matter how tempting it may be.

There is no definitive list. Some programs are absolutely vital to everyone, while others, because of differences in machines, may be vital to you but not to your neighbor.

But if you want to free up some space, here are some pointers. Note that this is for Windows XP.

Empty your recycle bin.
1.Right click on the bin and select Empty Recycle Bin.
2.You’re done.

Run Cleanup and delete all restore points but the latest. This can get a LOT back quickly.
1.Click Start->Control Panel
2.Click Performance and Maintenance.
3.Click Free Space on Your Hard Disk
4.A little dialog box should come up. Set the drive and click OK.
5.The machine will start scanning. When the scan stops and another dialog box labeled “Disk Cleanup for . . . . .” comes up, click on the More Options tab.
6.In the System Restore section, click the Clean up button.
7.While you’re here, go back to the Disk Cleanup tab and select Temporary Internet Files and Downloaded Program Files. Office Setup Files can also get a lot back, but it will slow down reinstalling anything from Office.
8.Click OK.
9.You’re done.

Clean up your temp directory. This is found at C:\Documents and Settings\Your Username\Local Documents\Temp. Generally, anything here should be fair game. Lately, some programs have been putting files here and holding onto them so they can't be deleted. If so, exclude them from your list and do the rest.

Clean up the C:\temp directory.

If you're running Norton System Works, purge the Norton Protected Files (not the same as the ordinary recycle bin, above.)

1.Right click the Recycle Bin icon and select Empty Norton Protected Files
2.You’re done.

Answer 2

Hi. I would first make a backup to an external drive or DVD/CD. This way you can delete to your hearts content and still be able to recover. Most after market programs and games can go. System files must stay.

Answer 3

All the vital stuff is protected so you can't really do much harm.
Delete programs that are large (including games) that you don't use.