Windows 10: Can I empty my Downloads folder without deleting programs?

Over the time my Downloads folder has filled up. The biggest folders are programs that are now installed on my PC. Question: Will deleting these files and folders from the File explorer Downloads folder delete or make the programs inoperable?

:)

 

Trouble deleting a folder

Thanks for the suggestion but it says "delete folder failed for E:\....." for each folder I try.

*Confused

Will I be forever stuck with these unnecessary folders? *Oh Well hwell:

 

Unable to delete a folder - Invalid folder name


Suggestion:

1. Run chkdsk x: /r to make sure that there's no HD corruption.
   x: is the drive containing the folder you want to delete.
2. Try to delete the folder again. If still does not work, go to step 3.
3. Download: Download - Linux Mint and create a bootable USB using: Rufus - Create bootable USB
4. Boot up with Linux Mint and try to delete the folder again.
   NOTE: Unlike WinPE. Linux does not have any Windows permission imposed to it so it is easier to delete.

 

How to delete a folder if XP says it will make some programs not work?

yeah just delete it, xp just picks up that theres an .exe and warns you that the folder contains a program.

afaik hjt is stand alone and runs from its own folder without installing it, if this is the case then just delete it, if you had to install it then uninstall it via add/remove programs.