redxii

I've disabled those components and reenabled without issue. You're supposed to EMPTY the folder, not DELETE it. Where is it said by MS that actual problems had arises as a result of emptying it

It hasn't changed since at least Win 2000.. so 2000 to 7.

It doesn't break anything. I've been clearing it for years after installing updates and had no problems with future updates, and the hotfix uninstaller is stored elsewhere.

I'd like to see this added. It deletes the download cache for Windows Update. Should also work in XP. [Windows Update Cache*] LangSecRef=3025 DetectFile=%WinDir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download Default=False FileKey1=%WinDir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download|*.*|RECURSE You might hear, or heard, a lot of false information but that folder is completely safe to empty. It doesn't clear itself after installing updates.