Saturday, May 15, 2010

WINSXS Folder consumes more space in C drive - Windows 2008

WINSXS Folder consumes more space in C drive - Windows 2008
WinSXS folder is a OS folder where it keeps all the components get installed in system.
It is a known limitation that its size will grow based on number of packages and OS updates installs onto the system.
Its happening since the server will not overwrite the older components.
Refer below articles.
http://blogs.technet.com/askcore/archive/2008/09/17/what-is-the-winsxs-directory-in-windows-2008-and-windows-vista-and-why-is-it-so-large.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd351467(WS.10).aspx#BKMK_COMPCLN

Below are the possible ways to reduce the winsxs folder size.

1. Uninstall maximum unwanted packages
2. Use the vsp1cln.exe tool if Windows 2008 SP1, to make the Servicepack1 permanent and remove RTM
3. Use the compcln.exe tool if Windows 2008 SP2, to make the Servicepack2 permanent and remove RTM