.DLL Files in I386 folder

Question

Question….  I have a program called Ashampoo that has a feature to clean duplicate and older versions of .DLL files.  This program works very well in cleaning many broken links, registry and DLLs.  I have two computers that I have used it on.  The first it identified about 800 duplicate dll files, I reviewed them and selected them for deletion.  The computer now is a bit faster and boots much quicker.  On my second PC (Dell 8200), which is loaded with 70 GB of programs, I ran the DLL cleaner and it identified 1800 duplicates.  When reviewing the duplicated there were duplicates of almost every DLL that appears on the list in the system folder (these are NOT to be removed) also appearing in the I386 folder also that it identifies as removable.  I selected to delete them and they are now sitting in my recycle bin waiting final deletion.  I have not deleted them because I am not quite sure what the function of these duplicates is.  Also, my other computer did not have them duplicated like this.  Anyway, does anyone know their function in the I386 folder and is it wise to delete then permanently?  The computer is functioning OK.

BBlackie · Answer

They are there as a convenience should they be needed in case of corruption.  If you have a corrupted file and you use the sfc /scannow program to correct it, the program will first try to retrieve the replacement file from that directory rather than prompting for the XP installation disk.

Denny Denham · Answer

Pauly1111,

If you decided to delete them you will need to edit your registry so that Windows will look for those files on the Windows XP Reinstallation CD. To do this, go to Start|Run, type regedit and click OK. Change the value of SourcePath iin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup to E:\ (if E: is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).

Pauly1111 · Answer

Thanks.... A few more questions....  When will I need these?  Will I need then to run in 'SAFE' mode??  Do you feel thay should be restored??    Thanks!!

maxd · Answer

It would be safer to clear your i386 folder of any remaining files (if any) and copy them all from your xp Re-installation cd. You will need to run the System File Checker (sfc /scannow) when one one or more of the 'protected' system files are missing or corrupt and it/they are preventing a program(s ) from working correctly. A prime example of this is Internet Explorer. You run this in normal mode.

Note: SFC was meant to be run from the dllcache folder where the file versions are suppose to be up-to-date.

Windows General

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