XP: What is the Msocache Folder and How to Remove It

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From the computer of: davak (386 recipes)
Created: Nov 07, 2004     Updated: Aug 08, 2006

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Local Install Source copies Office installation source files from the Microsoft Office 2003 installation media into a hidden folder on the hard drive called the Msocache folder. This describes how to remove this folder.

Local Install Source creates this hidden folder when Office 2003 is installed to prevent the user from having to insert the CD during installation and maintenance.

It usually takes up > 200 MB of space. You'll have to decide if this convenience is worth the hard drive space or not.

You can prevent it from being place on your drive in the first place by selecting Delete installation files check box during the installation.

Removing it once it is created is not difficult. 1. Do not use explorer to delete this folder. Just running the Disk Cleanup Wizard will take care of it.

1. Click Start
2. Select All Programs
3. Select Accessories
4. Select System Tools
5. Click Disk Cleanup
6. Disk Cleanup will do its calculations
7. From the Drives list in the Select Drive dialog box, select the hard drive that contains the Msocache folder
8. More calculations...
9. Select the Office Setup Files checkbox in the Files to Delete list
10. Click OK.
11. When you are asked Are you sure you want to delete these files? select Yes

Moving or repairing of this folder is possible as well. Just use this tool:
http://www.microsoft.com/office/ork/2003/journ/listool.htm