Do I need to keep all installation files?

[Computer Deb]

I recently bought a new cordless keyboard and mouse. When I went to install the software, I ran into problems and couldn't complete installation. One of the recommendations was to check out my installation files and delete the previoius unsuccessful starts.

I had not really looked in Program Files/InstallShield Installation Information folder. Needless to say, I was surprised to see all the files and the fact that it used about 100 Mb of space.

I was not able to locate the specific file referred to and do not know how the files are numbered. Are they numbered by my OS?

Anyways, do I need to keep all of them?

Any advice or comments are welcome!:confused:

[Rick]

If you delete those files and folders
you will NOT be able to uninstall the associated programs


Your failed attempt install files may be in the TEMP folder

If you want to free up space on the hard drive
Try using the "Disk Cleanup" program on your C: drive
delete temp files, Temp internet files, and any other old unwanted files listed in disk cleanup

[Computer Deb]

I understand what you're saying, but I wasn't thinking about removing them due to space. I just had never noticed the files before.

I do clean my hard drive quite regularly and very safely. Thanks for the repsonse.

[FrankSG]

One reason I like to keep the installation files is because sometimes the program will stop working because of a corrupt file or for other reasons. Which makes it helpful to re-install the program at such times. If you delete the installation file, you won't be able to re-install.

[mjc]

One reason I like to keep the installation files is because sometimes the program will stop working because of a corrupt file or for other reasons. Which makes it helpful to re-install the program at such times. If you delete the installation file, you won't be able to re-install.

Not quite true...you won't have a "Repair" option if the installer offers one, without either using the install media or re-downloading the program. Plus as Rick first said, the automatic uninstallers won't work properly any longer.

You can, if you are strapped for space, zip (yes zip it) and burn the ENTIRE folder to a CD. The reason for zipping before burning is this will preserve the current file attributes and not set everything to read-only. After it is successfully burned, you can then delete the folder...but every time you want to uninstall or update something, you will need to replace the folder...(yeah, sounds like too much work...doesn't it? ;))