Slimming Down Windows Xp Part 3: Documents And Settings Folders Options

[Bold_Fortune]

Slimming Down Windows XP: The Complete Guide PART 3

Documents and Settings Folders


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C:\Documents and Settings

Basically, the Default User profile is as a blueprint that Windows uses to initialize new logins. Whenever a new user logs on for the first time, Windows copies settings from the Default User profile to the newly created user profile.

I completely delete the Default User folder, not just its contents.

The LocalService and NetworkService profiles are automatically created by Windows XP for two new built in user accounts that are used by the Service Control Manager to host services that do not need to run as the local system account.

I completely delete the LocalService folder, not just its contents.

You may or may not be able to completely delete the NetworkService folder and its contents, depending upon your Services configuration and/or your Internet Service Provider.

I personally can't delete the NetworkService folder on my system.

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C:\Documents and Settings\All Users

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Crypto
I delete the Crypto folder and its subfolders.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Dr Watson

Dr. Watson is a program error debugger that gathers information about your computer when an error (or user-mode fault) occurs with a program. Technical support groups can use the information that Dr. Watson obtains and logs to diagnose a program error. When an error is detected, Dr. Watson creates a text file (Drwtsn32.log) that can be delivered to support personnel by the method they prefer. You also have the option of creating a crash dump file, which is a binary file that a programmer can load into a debugger.

Drwatson.exe is an older program error debugger that was included with earlier versions of Windows NT. Microsoft recommends that you use Drwtsn32.exe instead of Drwatson.exe in Windows XP.

I delete the Dr Watson folder.

Then I delete these files from C:\WINDOWS\system32:

DRWATSON.EXE....(Windows Fault detection utility). A 16-bit GUI application failure-detection and fault-logging utility that watches over the Win16 subsystem.

DRWTSN32.EXE....(DrWatson Postmortem Debugger). A 32-bit GUI application failure-detection and fault-logging utility that watches over the Win32 subsystem and native Windows XP applications.

DWWIN.EXE.......(Microsoft Application Error Reporting). The application used to report errors in Microsoft applications.

The Dr Watson folder will eventually return unless you disable Dr Watson.

Go to this location in the registry...

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug

Delete the AeDebug key.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\HTML Help
You can delete the HTML folder. However, the HTML Help folder will return should you open an HTML Help File (.chm extension file).

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
Here you can delete any shortcuts you think you will never use in Quick Launch.

I delete the shortcuts I never use, then move the ones I keep to C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch. It just keeps everything together. I keep the Quick Launch folder in case any programs I install look for it when they are installing their files.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Media Index
I delete the Media Index folder.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Media Player
I delete the Media Player folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Network
You can the delete the Network folder and its contents. I personally don't.

Inside the Network folder are two subfolders, Connections and Downloader.

The Network folder will be re-generated upon your next visit to the Microsoft Update Website, along with one of its subfolder, Downloader. The subfolder, Connections, and its contents, will not be re-generated.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User Account Pictures
I delete the avatars.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User Account Pictures\Default Pictures
Here you can delete any of the default avatars that you think you will probably never use on your Start Menu.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\nView_Profiles
I delete the nView_Profiles folder

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\DRM (Also see PART 9 under Windows Media Player Files)
I delete the DRM folder and its contents.

Digital Rights Management (DRM) provides functions relating to Digital Rights.

Per Microsoft: The Windows Media DRM platform enables the secure delivery of protected content for playback on a computer, portable device, or network device.

Then I delete these files that also belong to DRM from C:\WINDOWS\system32:

drmclien.dll...(DRM Client DLL). Needed to play *.wma music files and *.wmv video files with Media Player 6.4

drmstor.dll....DRM Store DLL
drmupgds.exe...(DRM Migrate EXE). Installed by Windows Media Player 11.
drmv2clt.dll...DRMv2 Client DLL

msnetobj.dll...DRM ActiveX Network Object
mssap.dll......DRM

WMDRMdev.dll...Windows Media DRM for Network Devices Registration DLL
WMDRMNet.dll...Windows Media DRM for Network Devices DLL
wmdrmsdk.dll...(Windows Media DRM SDK DLL). Installed by Windows Media Player 11.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Favorites
I delete the Favorites folder.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents (or Documents)\Shared Music
(Note: When you delete the desktop.ini from the Shared Documents folder, the folder is renamed to simply Documents.)

I delete the Shared Music folder and its contents.

The Shared Music folder contains these subfolders:

My Playlists

Sample Music

Sample Playlists

Sync Playlists

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents (or Documents)\Shared Pictures
I delete the My Pictures folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents (or Documents)\Shared Videos
I delete the My Pictures folder and its contents.

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Removing the Subfolders in Shared Documents (or Documents) Permanently

To permanently delete the Shared Music, Shared Pictures, and Shared Video subfolders from C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents (or Documents), and the My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos subfolders from C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\My Documents, first UnRegister the mydocs.dll, and then delete these subfolders.

To UnRegister the mydocs.dll:

Start > Run > type in - "regsvr32 /u mydocs.dll" (without the quotes) and click OK.

Then go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents (or Documents), and to C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\My Documents, and delete their subfolders.

It is very difficult to stop the Shared Music subfolder from returning to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents (or Documents). But we'll give it a good try...

Go to Windows Media Player Tools > Options > Library tab. Click on Monitor Folders, and then Advanced Options.

You should see these paths listed in the pane:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Music
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Pictures
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Videos
C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Documents\My Music
C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Documents\My Pictures
C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Documents\My Videos

Highlight each path and click the Ignore button.

(The above instructions apply to Window Media Player 11. In Windows Media Player 10 you can highlight these paths and click Remove.)

While in Windows Media Player Options, click Rip Music tab. Under "Rip music to this location" click the Change button. And create your own special folder in a location of your choice. I made a folder called Temporary Downloads on my D Drive.

When done click OK.

Keep this in mind, that if at some point you are playing around under the Privacy tab, and you clear the MUI caches by clicking on the "Clear Caches" button (under History, and to the right of "Clear caches for CDs DVDs and devices), the new designated folder path you created in Windows Media Player could very well disappear, and Windows Media Player could default to the path C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Music).

Under the Privacy tab, I take the tick out of "Update music files by retrieving media info from the Internet." I do this to stop album cover art from cropping up on my computer. You may like the album art.

The "Shared Music" folder in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents (or Documents), is the most difficult folder to keep from returning.

However, you can delete the Value data of a certain registry string. This is to be done in addition to what I have outlined above.

Navigate in the Registry Editor to...

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders

In the right panel look for this entry...

My Music REG_SZ C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\My Documents\My Music

Double click on My Music, and delete the Value data. Don't delete the entire String, just the value data. (You will notice that since you UnRegistered the mydocs.dll, the Value data for My Pictures and My Video have already been removed.)

Now navigate also to here:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders

Look for this entry in the right panel...

CommonMusic REG_SZ C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\My Documents\My Music

Double click on CommonMusic, and delete the Value data. Don't delete the entire String, just the value data.

NOTE: If you use MRU Blaster, the Value Data you just removed will return here:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders.

And, the My Music folder in C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\My Documents will return.

And, the "Rip music to this location" you chose in Windows Media Player Options will revert back to C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\My Documents\My Music.

Additional NOTE: Using Ad-aware to remove the MRU (Most Recently Used), the Value Data you just removed will return here:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders.

And, the Shared Music folder in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents will return.

There is one another part of this tweak that needs some work. I don't have it figured out yet, so if you have any ideas, let me know...

When you rip a music CD, the "Shared Music" folder will return to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents (or Documents) ...no matter what. But this is the only time, as far as I can see.

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C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories (Start Menu shortcuts)

I delete this Start Menu shortcut:

Calculator

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Accessibility
I delete the Accessibility folder and its contents.

Then I delete these additional files that belong to Accessibility Options from C:\WINDOWS\system32:

access.cpl......Control Panel DLL
accwiz.exe......(Microsoft Accessibility Wizard). Used to configure the different accessibility options of your system.

mag_hook.dll....Microsoft Magnifier hook library file
magnify.exe.....(Microsoft Magnifier). Magnifies portions of the screen.
msaatext.dll....Active Accessibility text support
msswch.dll......(On-screen keyboard). Used in combination with msswchx.exe.
msswchx.exe.....msswchx (Belongs to On-screen keyboard.)

narrator.exe....(Microsoft Narrator). Converts text to speech.
narrhook.dll....Microsoft Narrator Keyboard and WinEvent hook

osk.exe.........(On-Screen Keyboard). Displays an on-screen keyboard that can be used to enter information with the mouse.

sethc.exe.......Windows NT High Contrast Invocation

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Serial Keys is designed for people who have difficulty using the computer's standard keyboard or mouse. Serial Keys provides support so that alternative input devices can be plugged into the computer's serial port.

In the Control Panel open Accessibility Options. Click on the General tab. Under SerialKey devices, click Settings. Change the Serial port and Baud rate for your SerialKey device as appropriate.

skdll.dll.......Serial Keys
SKEYS.EXE.......(Microsoft® Serial Keys Utility). A system service that adds support for the Serial Keys feature.

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umandlg.dll.....(UManDlg DLL). Cannot open Utility Manager in Accessibility options without umandlg.dll.
utilman.exe.....(UtilMan EXE). An application for configuring tools for disabled people.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Communications
I delete the Communications folder and its contents. This removes its shortcuts from my desktop. I rarely access them anyway. When I do, I access them through the Control Panel.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Entertainment

I delete this Start Menu shortcut:

Sound Recorder

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools
I delete the System Tools folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools (Start Menu shortcuts)

I delete these Start Menu shortcuts:

Component Services
Computer Management
Data Sources (ODBC)
Performance

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Games (Start Menu shortcuts)

I delete these Start Menu shortcuts:

FreeCell
Hearts
Internet Backgammon
Internet Checkers
Internet Hearts
Internet Reversi
Internet Spades
Minesweeper
Solitaire
Spider Solitaire

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Templates
I delete the Templates folder.

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C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Help
I delete the Help folder.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Identities
I delete the Identities folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\Credentials
You can delete the Credentials folder and its contents. However, the Credentials folder and its contents will be re-generated by Windows immediately upon rebooting. So there's really not much point in deleting it.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\CryptnetUrl
I delete the files in the subfolders of the CryptnetUrlCache: Content and MetaData.

I found the files in Content and MetaData folders to be really interesting. The very first time I deleted all the files within these two folders, what happened really blew my mind.

Using Notepad, I looked in some of the files in these folders. They looked like a record of URL History of some kind.
By the name of their parent folder, CryptnetUrlCache, logically they must be cache-type files.

I deleted all the files within these two folders. Then I cleaned up my system as usual with my Temp File Cleaners, rebooted, and then defragged. Zowie! My browser windows started opening up so much faster. It was simply unbelievable.

I've been told these folders are where XP stores verified and certified Websites security certificates, for such things as SSL (Secure Socket Layers) logins for paying bills, and shopping on Amazon.com.

The reason they seem to slow Internet Explorer is that they are part of the process of validating certificates by checking to make sure they are still valid.

Note: If you choose not to delete these files, it is a good idea anyway to clear the SSL cache every once in awhile:

In the Control Panel, open Internet Options. Click on the Content tab. Under Certificates, click on the Clear SSL button. This will clear the SSL cache. Clearing the SSL cache does not delete the files in the Content and MetaData folders.

Myself, I uncheck "Check for publisher's certificate revocation" in Internet Options > Advanced tab > listed under Security.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\Crypto
You can delete the Crypto folder and its contents. However, the Crypto folder and its contents will be re-generated by Windows a short time after rebooting.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\HTML Help
You can delete the HTML Help folder and its contents. However, the HTML Help folder and its contents will return should you open an HTML Help File (.chm extension file).

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
Here you can delete any shortcuts you think you will never use in Quick Launch.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\MMC
You can delete the MMC folder and its contents. However, the MMC folder will be re-generated upon your next visit to the Microsoft Update Website.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\Protect
You can delete the Protect folder and its contents. However, the Protect folder and its contents will be re-generated upon your next visit to the Microsoft Update Website.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\SystemCertificates
You can delete the SystemCertificates folder and its contents. However, the SystemCertificates folder and its contents will be re-generated upon your next visit to the Microsoft Update Website.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Favorites
I delete the "MSN.com" and "Radio Station Guide" shortcuts.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Favorites\Links
I delete the Links folder and its contents.

You need to apply this reg tweak to delete the Links folder permanently:

CODE

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar]
"LinksFolderName"=""

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Favorites\Microsoft Websites (Installed by Internet Explorer 7.)
I delete the Microsoft Websites folder and its contents.

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C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data

I delete the GDIPFONTCACHEV1.DAT.

The only thing I can say in with certainty about the GDIPFONTCACHEV1.DAT, is that it does not exist on a fresh Windows XP installation.

The GDIPFONTCACHEV1.DAT appears to be a fonts list of some kind. It could possibly be generated when opening an application. Or possibly, it could be dropped onto your computer when entering a Website that has pop-up advertising.

This may or may not be true...

The GDIPFONTCACHEV1.DAT is related to LinkGrabber 99.

LinkGrabber 99 is an adware program that serves unwanted commercial advertisements to user desktop using various pop-ups, web browser windows or additional toolbars.

Moreover, it is able to track user activity in the Internet, modify default browser settings and gather personal user information. It can be installed along with the ad-supported software or through some unsafe web sites. LinkGrabber 99 alters essential system settings so it could start on every Windows startup and remain active in background.

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C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Help
You can delete the Help folder. However, the Help folder will return should you open a Help file (.hlp extension file.)

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\CD Burning
You can delete the CD Burning folder. However, the CD Burning folder will be re-generated by Windows immediately upon rebooting your system.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Credentials
You can delete the Credentials folder and its contents. However, the Credentials folder and its contents will be re-generated by Windows immediately upon rebooting your system.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Feeds (Installed by Internet Explorer 7.)
I delete the Feeds folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Feeds Cache (Installed by Internet Explorer 7.)
I delete the Feeds Cache folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\HelpCtr
You can delete the HelpCtr folder. However, the HelpCtr folder will return should you click on a Help and Support Center link. For example, in Event Viewer, when you double-click on an event or error, and then click on the link displayed in the Event Properties.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Media Player
You can delete the Media Player folder and its contents. However, the Media Player folder, along with new content, will be re-generated by Windows just as soon as you use Windows Media Player.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Portable Devices (Created by Windows Media Player 11.)
I delete the Portable Devices folder.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows Media
I delete the Windows Media folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\My Documents\My Music
I delete the My Music folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\My Documents\My Pictures
I delete the My Pictures folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\My Documents\My Videos
I delete the My Videos folder.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\SendTo
Here you can delete any "Send To" items (from the right-click context menu option) that you think you may never use, and even place here instead a few to your own liking.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories (Start Menu shortcuts)

I delete these Start Menu shortcuts:

Program Compatibility Wizard
Synchronize
Tour Windows XP

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Accessibility
I delete the Accessibility folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Entertainment
I delete the Communications folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools
I delete the System Tools folder and its contents.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Templates
I delete the contents of the Templates folder, but keep the folder, as it will not delete.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\UserData
You can delete the UserData folder and its contents if you like. However, a new UserData folder and contents will be created upon your next visit to the Microsoft Update Website.

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Slimming Down Windows XP: The Complete Guide is my gift to those who always wanted to know which files they can delete from Windows XP, but couldn't find their answers. I have always offered my guide freely, and never asked anything in return.

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