How to identify obsolete files in Windows XP?

My directory of Windows (XP) rose to more than 10 GB, which for me is more than 30% of my C: drive.  I need to create because I only have 1 GB of free space on C:.  Despite the defrag NTFS seems to perform badly under 20% of free space.  (Yes, my documents and program files take up a lot of space, but not nearly as much as the Windows.)

I suspect that most of the files in my Windows directory are really outdated, but I can find no documentation MS how to identify obsolete files of Windows.  Unfortunately, KB MS searches return only the details of the specific software issues and warnings no do not delete the contents of the directories like Installer & $hf_mig$ who collectively represent 40% of the space of files in the Windows folder.

Can someone point me to MS doc on the identification of obsolete files in Windows?

Can someone point me to a reliable freeware that can analyze my Windows folder & identify obsolete files?

Thanks, J

Thank you once again.

I moved my Documents to my another internal drive, but it was UGLY.  Fortunately, I made a backup before you start.  The Windows Move function fails if a file is locked by a process.  Supposedly gives the user the possibility of closing the lock program, he abandoned the movement rather than a new attempt.  Thus, the move is only partially complete.  The restore function moves the files back, but not all the original files are retrieved.  (Move offers no option to copy all files successfully before deleting the originals).  With backup & some file/folder comparison software, I was able to recover all the lost files (probably).

In any case, the above is not your fault.  I just thought you should know about the potential problems of moving.  I commented to MS on moving article.  I hope that similar questions are not present in Windows 7.

I still have 26G standing on C, all Documents & settings Windows and Program Files.  But now I have 7 free G.  Move my Documents was a good idea, just as subjects with MS Move function.

Thank you once again.  I will mark it as answered.  John

Tags: Windows

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