files in winsxs

Wig

Win 7

C:\Windows\winsxs

A file caught my eye in this directory it was mahjong game application but when i click the application the game does not run

It is in subdirectory
\amd64_microsoft-windows-s..inboxgames-shanghai_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_1c98ed5d08db04ce

created 14/07/2009 - I got computer 2nd hand a month ago off online retailer

There is also other game folders for freecell, hearts, checkers and one or two more...none of them work.

Also if I go to start acessories.games. there is nothing there but something called "games Explorer" What is this?

\Winsxs is 11Gb

If half of it is not being used, what is best way to de-clutter?
I do not have anything special installed on the computer, as I say it is new to me and empty. I would not mind doing a complete re-install windows 7... but no disk came with the computer, there is a Win 7 sticker on front (Lenovo thinkpad T430) and there is no licence key anywhere I can see, would I have to do a Licence key search on the computer to find it?

I know i cam play games like mahjong online but just wondering why the folder is there in winsxs if it does not work. And why called amd64 when it is a corei5?

Thanks

forgotmyname

They are install, update or backup files.

Not the actual main run file that you execute.
Could be a backup or a partially updated version or a saved state.

wongataa

Don't go mucking about in the Winsxs directory unless you want to break things. The best way to declutter is as follows: uninstall any software you don't want anymore. Run disk cleanup to remove temp files etc.

System

Hi

I usually use Belarc Advisor for Win 7 key licence and other such info.

It is a backup area for stability.

Every 30 days windows scans and cleans (supposedly) expired/defunct updates.

It can be cleaned with Ccleaner and it is in

Task Scheduler.
Something like \Microsoft\Windows\DiskCleanup