The bad news are that i don’t recommend doing any manual removals on winsxs folder. Such a step could probably make your applications non-workable or even break your system!

If you have Vista sp1 installed use the vsp1cln.exe : The utility removes all Vista SP1 uninstall files and by using it you can reduce few gigs.

To run vsp1cln.exe:

  • Press on vista start button type cmd.exe and hit on enter.
  • hen enter the following command:Vsp1cln.exe and press enter key
  • You will be asked to confirm your action , just press “Y” and after few minutes your winsxs  will be smaller.

Other ways to reduce the winsxs folder:

  • You can uninstall non needed application
  • If you have office 2007 installed , and you can get later distribution like with sp1 included – uninstall your entire office, and install the version that includes sp files.
  • You can run the script bellow to cleanup some temporary files and system logs.
del %temp%. /f/s/q
rd /s/q %temp%

del %tmp%. /f/s/q
rd /s/q %tmp%

del /f /s /q %systemdrive%*.dmp

del /f /s /q %systemdrive%*.tmp
del /f /s /q %systemdrive%*._mp
del /f /s /q %systemdrive%*.log
del /f /s /q %systemdrive%*.old

The guide is for windows vista only . I don’t reccomend doing it on windows server 2008 systems, just buy bigger disks for you server systems.