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Is it safe to delete Test folder

Anonymous
2020-06-08T09:49:09+00:00

I have two Test folders showing in Explorer. One has been there since 2014 and was created by a Microsoft Tech. There is another one created in 2016 apparently by another excited Microsoft Tech. 

In the first one, there is nothing since 2014 except one connection made in 2019 / 03 / 04 and has to do with the NRUSER.DAT. So obviously, Windows is in touch with that Folder yet.

The second one has all dates in there listed as 2016 apart once again for this one file listed as NRUSER.DAT and that also 2019 03/ 04. 

It seems if memory serves me correctly, I removed this one time several years back and the computer wouldn't reboot. I'm wondering now with this latest Windows 10 update, would it be safe to get rid of those (delete them) or would I once again be enjoying a computer that would not reboot.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-06-10T00:11:43+00:00

    So -- one of those is named "Test" & the other is named "Test.whatever"?  I presume the latter is the one you generally use. To know for sure which one you are using -- it's the one whose Remove button won't light up in NETPLWIZ when selected. I was expecting to see a 3rd with a fit & proper name on it. And I expected the 3rd would be the one you normally used.

    (1) The name isn't really important, actually -- but it would be nice to have one without the word "test" in it. However, it's a ton of trouble to rename one of those. I can't quite recommend it...

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/89060-change-name-user-profile-folder-windows-10-a.html

    How to Change the Name of a User Profile Folder in Windows 10

    The article has dire warnings in it. Might be best not to try it.

    (2) The only other way is make a new User Profile with a new name that you like. But you lose the settings & some installations that were done in the current profile. It's a ton of trouble to move them over. I can't quite recommend this either.

    To get an idea how things will initially look/work in a new profile, "right-click START, Shut down or sign out, Sign out". Then sign in to the other.

    (3) Maybe it's actually best to let it all alone, like you prudently decided a day/so ago. Actually, having two Administrator accounts is a good thing. If one ever dies, you'd have the other to attempt repairs. Also, you can see in that Brink article, some procedures do require the use of a 2nd Administrator to accomplish.

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-06-08T19:50:57+00:00

    Thank you CJustin & Elise for your replies. As to the latter reply, can you be sure if renaming them or moving them will cause the computer not to reboot? I'm paranoid about doing anything to them but the reason I'm asking is to see if there is a definite yes or no. 

    From what I'm getting so far, there's still a shadow of doubt which pushes me in the direction of caution unless someone can give me something definite. 

    Again, thank you so much for the suggestions!

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-06-08T10:44:21+00:00

    Hi, I'm Elise, an independent advisor and I'd be happy to help with your issue.

    The safest way to check this would to be either move or rename the folder and check if you have any issues.

    If not then it should be safe to delete it.

    Kind Regards,

    Elise

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-06-08T10:40:53+00:00

    It is renamed as test. It means it was used by Microsoft techies as a Litmus test to find out where the problem existed.

    If the files are not more than few MBs in size then there is no reason to delete them.

    They would not take much space in your system.

    But, wait until you get more opinions on this matter and then take a decision.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-06-08T10:26:45+00:00

    There is a general answer for such cases: Rename the folder, wait a week or two, then delete it if nothing bad happens.

    And yes, folders named Test are exactly what their name says. They serve no purpose after the test is completed.

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