Well, for about a year or so I've been wondering about \windows\installer directory and whether or not it's needed. Unfortunately, it's not possible to search for c:\windows\installer on the internet as search engines all fail when using even c:\

So... I'm wondering if I can remove these files. From what I can tell, all they are are the .msi files related to programs you've installed manually onto your computer but are not required in any way for use of that program. But this installer directory uses over 230 mb on my pc so I was just wondering if anyone else has ever tried removing these files and how things went afterwards.

Thanks.

they are the uninstaller for the associated program. best to leave them in situ

a little web searching 101:

if you are having trouble searching for something put it in quotes... for example:

"c:\windows\installer"

Wow. Thanks.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=fp-pull-...3A%5Cwindows%22

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=fp-pull-...%5Cinstaller%22

/smartallic tone since I already knew that and tried it

Wow.  Thanks. 

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=fp-pull-...3A%5Cwindows%22

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=fp-pull-...%5Cinstaller%22

/smartallic tone since I already knew that and tried it

Try the searching on Google, it works there!

MSIs in this location c:\windows\installer are needed for uninstall/repair/reinstall operations.

they are the uninstaller for the associated program. best to leave them in situ

Correct.

If you delete them, strange things will happen.