Are all these dlls still required ? 3

[LordGarsdale]

Hello All
During tidying up a colleagues PC, I noticed that his system32 folder has literally hundreds of dlls although he hasn't got too many apps. Is there any software that I can run that can tell me which of these dlls are orphaned or is the only way to reformat and reinstall XP ?
Hope there's software as reinstallation could be a nightmare as most of his original CDs are not in the company IT safe and he says he hasn't got them.

 

[bcastner]

I have over 1600 on a machine that is lightly populated with applications.

 

[LordGarsdale]

OOPS, sorry bcastner
Had another look, 1980 in all whilst my machine that has a larger app content has less than 1000. He does confess to having installed, and removed lots of software. Trouble is he thinks removing is just that, find Prog File folder and delete. He can't do any of that now, he's no longer an Administrator, obviously an oversight on my predecessor's part

 

[DestinysDream]

One of the best tools for removing orphaned dll's is called ClnSys.

If anyone calls and says "I know a little something about computers" just tell them to reformat it.

 

[franklin97355]

You could have him reinstall XP and then the programs he uses now that would remove them. Unless you know for a fact no other program is using the dll it would be bad practice to remove them and researching all the dependancies would (in my opinion) be a waste of time.

 

[bcastner]

I have always liked the Macecraft registry suite jv16, which inludes a DLL Cleaner:

http://www.macecraft.com/pt_features/

 

[LordGarsdale]

Hi all, especially bcastner and DestinysDream
Well, downloaded and run both ClnSys and jv16. One reported 18 unused and the other 19 so looks like his dll burden is real. I've removed all 19 but put them on a floppy in case I have to put that lone 1 back again. Like jv16, will probably purchase it.
Thanks to everyone for their input
John

 

[pweegar]

You can also download RegClean and run it. It will clean up your registry and it's free! YOu would have to do a google search to find it.

I also like System Mechanic for cleaning up things (including the hd, and registry. The latest version will also defrag your HD and memory. And it's fully functional for 30 days)

 

[LordGarsdale]

Hello pweeger
Noticed the word free in your email so have tracked that down to use too.
Thanks for your help
John

 

[bcastner]

Microsoft no longer recommends the use of regclean.exe under XP. The file is no longer distributed by Microsoft.
You can seriously damage the registry under an Intel P4.