Can I uninstall some of these Microsofts?

[VictorLouis]

I was unable to take a screen-capture of the listing page. Hopefully, this won't look too choppy for those of you with computer knowledge.

In the list of programs on my laptop are a series of MSproducts, with their versions and installation dates, as-follows:

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.1 2/25/14
Silverlight 3/13/14
SQL Server 2005 Compact Ed. {ENU} 10/24/11
Visual C+++ 2005 Redistributable 4/17/13
same 2008 "" x64 9.0.30729 5/16/14
same 9.0.30729.6161 11/11/2013
same x86 9.0.30729.6161 5/13/2012
same 2010 x64 Redistributable 10.0.40129 5/13/2014
same x86 Redistributable 10.0.40129 5/13/2014
same 2012 Redistributable (x64) 11.0.60610.1 4/30/2014

It sure would be nice to free-up some more space if much of this is redundant, or supplanted by latter updates.

Thnanks!

 

[CDROBERTS]

Those are needed updates

 

[RonJ]

Silverlight can be discarded. It's problematic anyway.
Don't know about the others.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

If you have a new computer, it is generally loaded up with a bunch of junk programs.
A general rule to follow is, don't mess with the Microsoft stuff, look at all the other stuff.

 

[cmort666]

SQL Server 2005 Compact Ed. {ENU}

SQL Server is generally used by other programs which need some kind of database engine.

What program(s) do you have on your PC which keep records of things? Removing SQL might break them.

 

[Muss Muggins]

If this was a gunsmithing thread, I'd advise the use of a Dremel tool . . .

 

[NCTexan]

An average PC user messing with Microsoft programs and files... is kinda like a novice taking a Dremel to a classic S&W revolver.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time!"

 

[Muss Muggins]

An average PC user messing with Microsoft programs and files... is kinda like a novice taking a Dremel to a classic S&W revolver.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time!"

My point exactly . . .

 

[rwsmith]

I may not be remembering right....

Silverlight can be discarded. It's problematic anyway.
Don't know about the others.

It SEEMS like I took off Silverlight and was sorry because some other programs depended on it. I may be wrong, but don't eliminate anything until you are sure.

Try as I might, I still pick up software, trials, promos, toolbars etc. I eliminate them in the control panel/programs.

 

[BobC357]

Most PCs keep a lot of junk in the System Volume Information system folder. In fact, a lot of it is never even used by most home systems. You don't need a lot of restore points archived - usually no more than two! You can easily reduce the amount of stuff in here by changing the allocation. Do a google search on "How can I recover disk space used up by System Volume Information" and you will get a nice step-by-step instruction for reducing the size and freeing up space. Don't get too stengy!!! You need some space -- just not as much as Micro$oft think you do for Windoze to operate properly.

 

[hoc9sw]

Clearing cookies can also free a lot of space.

BUT!! CAUTION!!
If you have saved logins / passwords to sites, they may be in cookies, so be sure you have them all written down first.

There are also a lot of temporary files saved that are of little or no use, and can be deleted.

 

[Ogandydancer]

Silverlight can be discarded. It's problematic anyway.
Don't know about the others.

It sure was a problem on Win 8. I hear Win 9 is just around the corner, wonder if all us unhappy Win 8 users will get a free upgrade? Probably not since they want to just make money.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

This thread is a classic example of " If it ain't broke-you ain't trying hard enough."
Unless you need to do something like re-figure equations from scratch to create an atomic bomb, I postulate that the normal usage profile of a computer user (word processing, quicken, surfing the net looking at porn, playing games and watching movies) will not be affected by trying to clean up space by deleting stuff you see on the desk top.
Me I leave that stuff alone. If I need something done that can't be accomplished by pressing ctrl-alt-del or just unplugging the thing waiting 10 seconds and then plugging it back in, I get Teresa to do it or ask Louisiana Joe.

 

[4011]

My son is computer forensic person for a large company. He has told me
" JUST DON ' T TOUCH ANYTHING!"

 

[GhostMutt]

I am no computer expert, however there is a program that I use on my laptop, which I find indispensable. I'm not advertising here, I don't work for them and there is a free version that you can use.
The program is called CCleaner, it is a user friendly program that looks through your machine and selects old or out of service/date files in your registry (which is where a lot of unused space hoggers reside) and allows you to delete them (it also allows a back up in case anything messes up, I have used it for ages and its never messed with my machine) It works within the registry and can also clean out your temp internet folders and cookies WITHOUT deleting your passwords and saved pages.
I my opinion its worth a try...it might not save you GB but it will clean up your registry and keep your temp folder and cookies from overflowing....on an unrelated note I would also suggest anti malwarebytes also freeware, which is very good at picking up ad/spyware that your antivirus may miss and can really slow down your comp. Both programs have served me very well.
CCleaner - Download
https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/

I apologise in advance if I've broken any rule here by suggesting these programmes I was just trying to help..and of course, my success with these programs is just that...MY success, I take no responsibility for others using them. ( but they are failsafe/user friendly/effective and free

Ben

 

[Comrad]

Achtung!
Alle touristen und non-technischen lookenpeepers!
Das machine is nicht fur fingerpoken und mittengrabben.
Is easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und poppencorken mit spitzen sparken.
Das machine is diggen by experten only.
Is nicht fur gerwerken by das dummkopfen.
Das rubbernecken sightseeren keepen das cottenpicken hands in das pockets.
Relaxen und watchen das blinkenlights.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

In a nutshell, while just looking at the names, it may appear that one or more of these programs/applications are not needed and can be deleted. In actuality none of these applications should be removed from your system.

Other I/T people may disagree with my recommendation, but my experience and knowledge causes me to believe that they are all needed. Here are the technical explanations:

.NET Framework-.NET is an integral part of many applications running on Windows and provides common functionality for those applications to run. .NET Framework provides a comprehensive and consistent programming model for building applications that have visually stunning user experiences and seamless and secure communication.

Silverlight-Silverlight is a powerful development tool for creating engaging, interactive user experiences for Web and mobile applications. Silverlight is a free plug-in, powered by the .NET framework and compatible with multiple browsers, devices and operating systems, bringing a new level of interactivity wherever the Web works.

SQL Server 2005 - Microsoft SQL Server 2005 is a powerful and reliable data management product that delivers rich features, data protection, and performance for embedded application clients, light Web applications, and local data stores.

Visual C++ - When companies write software using Microsoft Visual C++, they make use of a number of what are called "standard libraries". Those are collections of pre-written software provided by Visual C++ for programmers to use. That way, they don't have to write what are often very common sequences of code. Instead, they can use these libraries of software that are pre-written and very thoroughly tested by either years of use or Microsoft's own testing efforts.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

How bout a list of your trash programs?
Probably more important than installed is are they running in background?
Installed takes up room, running slows the computer.
I have iTunes on my windows desktop. It's a great program and I recommend it. One day I was checking to see what programs were running, and I noticed that the iTunes update program was running.
I want an updated iTunes, but you don't need to keep the update program running all the time. But you don't want to un -install it, you just turn it off.
And don't be afraid of your computer. It's just a plastic box with a bunch of imported parts. At my house, I am large and in charge. That includes the computer! The software companies especially will try to intimidate and push you around. It Just raises my competitive spirit!

 

[VictorLouis]

Muss, NCTexan, and Comrad LOL...good ones! BobC, I will check into this "System Volume Information system folder". I will not touch the MS programs. I was just thinking that updates may alleviate the need for the originals. But then, I guess they may be replacements at that point, not merely updates.

I have a teen gamer constantly downloading **** for his own 'liimited' use. I just peruse the control panel weekly, or so, and uninstall the **** that's obvious. Far too much of it is attached with viruses, however, as I normally get a weekly NOTICE from Norton of what it's found-removed. It's exasperating, LOL.

 

[GhostMutt]

Muss, NCTexan, and Comrad LOL...good ones! BobC, I will check into this "System Volume Information system folder". I will not touch the MS programs. I was just thinking that updates may alleviate the need for the originals. But then, I guess they may be replacements at that point, not merely updates.

I have a teen gamer constantly downloading **** for his own 'liimited' use. I just peruse the control panel weekly, or so, and uninstall the **** that's obvious. Far too much of it is attached with viruses, however, as I normally get a weekly NOTICE from Norton of what it's found-removed. It's exasperating, LOL.

A teen gamer, haha..then I would definitely recommend those two programs as back up for your anti virus. One will clean all the leftover stuff then does not get deleted when sending things through the recycle box and the other will make sure that your machine is free from ad/spyware which a downloading teen can be susceptible to....think of Norton as your spotter and those two programs as your sniper. Seriously think about it. oh and did I mention they are both free