Most ordinary users of Windows-based computers and laptops rarely access specialized system components, including the ProgramData directory. Not everyone knows what kind of ProgramData folder is in Windows 7 or in any other modification of the operating system, especially since it is reliably hidden from the eyes of users, even those with administrator rights. Questions appear only when the free space starts to decrease in the system partition, and for the installation of new programs or even for the correct functioning of the OS itself (and this requires a minimum of 10-15% of the total volume) it is sorely lacking. As it turns out, the described catalog is partly to blame for the reduction of free space. Where to find the ProgramData folder on Windows 7 or in other versions, what is in it, and whether it is possible to safely get rid of its contents, then we'll see. But first, a brief look at the general characteristics of this object.
What is the ProgramData folder on Windows 7 and above?
First of all, you need to clearly understand that this directory is one of the most important system components in which installed programs save their own data regarding both the initial installation and some settings used after installation. In addition, here you can find important components reserved by the software for the ability to quickly restore its performance, which is most relevant to antivirus software. Finally, the ProgramData directory also serves as a kind of repository for some templates that can be used by all registered users, regardless of the access level set for each of them.
Where is the ProgramData folder on Windows 7 and above?
The directory itself, as a rule, is located exclusively at the root of the system partition (disk), however, it is initially impossible to see it among the components present. So where is the ProgramData folder in Windows 7, how to view its contents?
This object is initially hidden, therefore, in the same "Explorer" you must first use the view section to display it, and then enable the display of hidden folders and files in the settings list (sometimes it may be necessary to activate the display of hidden system elements and disks).
In the eighth and tenth versions of Windows, you can use the activation of the show hidden items, which is located directly on the main panel at the top.
The main components in the catalog
What kind of folder ProgramData in Windows 7, a little understood. But for a full understanding of its purpose and role in the operating system, we should dwell on a description of everything that may be in this directory.
After opening this directory, subfolders with long names containing incomprehensible combinations of letters and numbers will immediately catch your eye. If you look closely, many may realize that in some ways such names resemble what can be seen in the system registry. Yes, indeed, this is true, however, inside such directories you can find the very installation files that were used just during the first installation of the software.
There are also links in the form of shortcuts, for example, to user document folders, the “Desktop”, templates, the main menu, etc. In addition, registry keys corresponding to user profiles of the DirectX platform and links to Application directories are also stored here. Data
Can I delete a folder or its contents to clear disk space?
What kind of ProgramData folder is in Windows 7 and other OS modifications and what information is presented in it is understandable. But the main questions concern precisely the possibility of deleting its contents. How unsafe is this? By and large, manually deleting anything is not recommended. An exception can only be folders and files related to those programs that were definitely deleted from the computer, and, most likely, exclusively by Windows, since such tools can not always remove residual components. For example, you used the iTunes application before, then you uninstalled it as unnecessary, but the Apple folders remained in the ProgramData directory. There are no questions - delete.
But to ensure the most safe cleaning of the contents, it is still better to use either Windows tools (standard disk and system file cleaning), or use optimizer programs like CCleaner, Advanced SystemCare and the like. Only in this case there is a guarantee that the system will not be affected (moreover, the parent directory is very closely linked to the Program Files and AppData directories). And do not believe those posts on the Internet that claim that someone allegedly deleted the main folder, and after that the system worked like a clock. This is an absolute lie.