My c:\Windows\Installer folder has become bloated, how can I move it to another drive Today, the C:\Windows\Installer folder is: 2.40 GB (2,587,466,085 bytes) So, I made an exported image of my registry. Then, I then opened the file with Notepad. Next I did a global search and replace of C:\Windows\Installer to T:\Windows\Installer. Note the need for two backslashes as I discovered the correct format is C:\\Windows\\Installer. So the above entries would be C:\\Windows\\Installer to T:\\Windows\\Installer There are hundreds of entries and thus a one-by-one search and replace with Regedit would be too tedious and time consuming and fraught with possible typos. Now, before I pull the trigger and import all these amended keys, in actuality the entire registry I need to ask a few questions. Yes, I have moved the folder as a test to the target location. Besides Regedit and this global search and replace followed by an import, is there another way. No I cannot clear C:\Windows\Installer as the uninstaller uses this folder when a program is being removed. Do you think I’m nuts, rhetorically of course? Thanks. Ted

"Note the need for two backslashes as I discovered the correct format is C:\\Windows\\Installer. So the above entries would be C:\\Windows\\Installer to T:\\Windows\\Installer" Sorry but that is incorrect. Correct syntax is; \\servername\sharename It is never c:\\whatever. Drive letter syntax is ALWAYS driveletter:\ You are headed for a big foobar! BTW if you export the reg to a txt file and then using word do a search and replace then import the txt file [not double click or you will merge] you can have your entries changed. But this isn't the way to handle it. If any thing you just backup the folder, then delete the folder contents, and when you want to uninstall something first restore it. I would just uninstall apps not used anymore and forget about it. 2gig isn't worth any time spent of my lifespan. Example of Oxymoron: Person who is pro life and anti sex education. Education is key to prevention. Prevent conception you prevent abortion. Abstinence training clearly isn't working.

Interesting! I don't even have a c:\windows\installer folder. But I do have several registry enteries that point to 'folders\files' in that 'non existant' folder.

aegis That folder may be hidden.

Hi Othehill. I am showing hidden files, so unless they are using one of those special file hiding systems I should see it. I've just done a fresh install a couple of weeks ago, maybe that's why I don't have the folder. I understand that the folder is just for some Microsoft Installer backups. But it's strange that I have those Registry entries that point to it. (edit) Oops, you got it Othehill, thanks! I thought I would check, and sure enough I must have missed the hidden files option when I went through the tweaks after the fresh install.