Created List of File Extensions to dangerous to delete

Once I was overzealous in deleting duplicate files using Systems Mechanic and had to reinstall windows.

I was lucky my data was okay. Using the freebie jv16PowerTools 1.3, I created this list of File Extensions to dangerous to delete. Feel free to add, delete and comment on it as I want to improve it.

.386
.bat
.cmd
.com
.cpl
.dll
.drv
.exe
.hta
.htc
.inf
.ini
.lnk
.ocx
.pif
.vxd

Opinion=Unverified Data
I'll help you if I can, no promises it will work!
AlphaShield H/W firewall
Linksys Etherfast Router (no wireless)
ZoneAlarm Pro version:6.5.737.000 (ASW Disabled)
Spy Sweeper V5.2 (AV Disabled) + BitDefender 9.5 Standard
SpyBlaster
RoboForm

 

Hello,

Don't forget .sys files.

Mrk

 

Hey Mrk:

Yes, of course. Added below, thanks.

Version 2

.386
.bat
.cmd
.com
.cpl
.dll
.drv
.exe
.hta
.htc
.inf
.ini
.lnk
.ocx
.pif
.sys
.vxd

 

Hello,
Although not readily visible .cat files are important.
Zero-byte .log files can also cause problems if deleted. Some .dat files, too.
Files without extensions, like hosts.
Then, you have .msc.
It gets complicated. Best to keep the duplicates and live with it.
Mrk

 

Thanks Mrk, maybe it is best not to mess with duplicates, but I'm going to continue to work the warning list for those who do mess...

Version 3

Files without extensions, like hosts
.386
.bat
.cat
.cmd
.com
.cpl
.dat
.dll
.drv
.exe
.hta
.htc
.inf
.ini
.lnk
.msc
.ocx
.pif
.sys
.vxd
Zero-byte .log files

 

You may find this useful

350 system32 Files I Do Not Delete

http://www.bold-fortune.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=414

more here

http://www.bold-fortune.com/forums/index.php?showforum=13

 

My 2 cents on dup files... if they aren't media related like mp3's and such, I NEVER delete them. In my experience, Windows doesn't generate unnecessary dups. Any unneeded dups I've ever found, I created. And I knew which were good to trash and which ones weren't. I left ALL the others alone.

 

HAN:

Hmmm... you are right I think, if I had followed that advice, I wouldn't have had to reinstall windows.... who knew? Well, it seems you did! I will add your advice as a cavete to the list, so users can at least be warned!

Thanks.

Version 4

General advice is it is best not to mess with duplicates, some advise never delete them!and that windows doesn't generate unnecessary duplicates. Duplicates that are safe to trash are self created! Leave ALL the others alone.

BUT for those (like me) who do, here is a Created List of File Extensions too dangerous to delete

Files without extensions, like hosts
.386
.bat
.cat
.cmd
.com
.cpl
.dat
.dll
.drv
.exe
.hta
.htc
.inf
.ini
.lnk
.msc
.ocx
.pif
.sys
.vxd
Zero-byte .log files

 

Hello,
Don't delete your backups, either.
Mrk

 

Version 5

General advice is it is best not to mess with duplicates, some advise never delete them!and that windows doesn't generate unnecessary duplicates. Duplicates that are safe to trash are self created! Leave ALL the others alone.

BUT for those (like me) who do, here is a Created List of File types and Extensions too dangerous to delete

Don't delete your backups
Files without extensions, like hosts
.386
.bat
.cat
.cmd
.com
.cpl
.dat
.dll
.drv
.exe
.hta
.htc
.inf
.ini
.lnk
.msc
.ocx
.pif
.sys
.vxd
Zero-byte .log files

 

Why are you doing this thing? Leave them alone. What are you saving?

 

GroomLake:

Thanks for the advice. Others have already said the same thing.

The background is I use a product called Register Mechanic for PC optimization see link at www.iolo.com.

One of it's functions is the identification and elimination of duplicate files of ALL types. It is a powerful yet dangerous tool.

Back in late November, I erred and deleted a key windows duplicate file. Having successfully done this before I got over zealous erred and had to restore windows as a result.

I then thought that to help others avoid the same problem, I would produce a list of files NOT to delete. This is why I am doing what I am doing.

In your case you don't want such list because you leave duplicates alone.

Others out there using this function / tool and others similar to it, can benefit from the list. This is the motivation behind it. Some may disagree but that will NOT keep me from improving the list for those who do want it.

 

Is this what you are saying? You can have duplicate files in different folders and not to delete either one of them. Is that right?

 

Hi GroomLake:

No. There is nothing in V5 referring to where the duplicates are located. Is there a detailed contribution hiding behind your last post? If so please provide it. Have a look at Mrk's contributions for examples of what we are looking for.

There is nothing beyond what is in Version 5 which is repeated here for your convenience.

Basically delete only your own duplicates such as word , excel etc. What folder they are in wouldn't matter. The list of extensions is the dangerous set of extensions to avoid.

Version 5

General advice is it is best not to mess with duplicates, some advise never delete them!and that windows doesn't generate unnecessary duplicates. Duplicates that are safe to trash are self created! Leave ALL the others alone.

BUT for those (like me) who do, here is a Created List of File types and Extensions too dangerous to delete

Don't delete your backups
Files without extensions, like hosts
.386
.bat
.cat
.cmd
.com
.cpl
.dat
.dll
.drv
.exe
.hta
.htc
.inf
.ini
.lnk
.msc
.ocx
.pif
.sys
.vxd
Zero-byte .log files