I am sorry you are having this problem. My first suggestion would have been to roll back the Windows update but if you have already tried to reinstall then that changes things.I suggest you now perform a clean uninstall of your AutoCAD and then download a new copy using the Autodesk Virtual Agent. Looking to delete System32 files on your Windows drive? Windows System32 directory is located in either C: Windows System32 or C: Winnt system32. These files may be protected by TrustedInstaller or some other program so it is not easy to delete the system32 files from your PC Computer or laptop.
Spend some time on the internet, and you’ll probably come across a jokester telling you to delete the Windows System32 folder on your computer. But what is this mysterious Windows folder, and why would someone tell you to delete it?
And what would happen if you actually deleted System32? Here are the facts.
What Is System32?
System32 is a folder included in every Windows version since Windows 2000. It’s located at C:WindowsSystem32 and includes all sorts of files and folders that are vital to keep Windows functioning properly.
There are far too many files in System32 to discuss individually, though a user on Symantec’s forums has explained a lot of them if you’re interested. In general, you can break the majority of System32’s contents into two groups:
DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files allow programs to access parts of Windows and perform standard tasks. For instance, one DLL file might allow the computer to play audio, while another could enable automatic Windows Updates. Many DLLs start as soon as you boot your computer. Windows couldn’t start without them, which is why fixing DLL errorsHow to Fix DLL Files Missing Errors in WindowsHow to Fix DLL Files Missing Errors in WindowsSeeing MSVCP140, VCRUNTIME140, or other common DLL files missing errors on your Windows PC? Here's why they happen and how you can fix them.Read More is such a pain.
EXE (Executable) files are software applications and utilities. You start an executable every time you open software like Word or Chrome. But the EXE files in System32 are more important: aside from Windows utilities like the Event Viewer (eventvwr.exe), these include executables for vital Task Manager processes7 Windows Task Manager Processes You Should Never Kill7 Windows Task Manager Processes You Should Never KillSome Windows processes can freeze or crash your system if terminated. We'll show you which Task Manager processes you should leave alone.Read More like winlogon.exe. Without this, you couldn’t even sign into your PC.
Aside from these, System32 also contains a drivers folder (the contents of which let your computer interface with various hardware), language files, and more.
How to Delete the System32 Folder on Windows
Despite the jokes online, deleting System32 isn’t a one-click affair. Since it’s a protected system folder, Windows will deny you access if you try to delete it. This is enough to deter inexperienced users from accidentally deleting the folder.
However, if you’re persistent, you can continue along your path of destruction. Taking ownership of the folder lets you attempt to delete it, but Windows blocks this again since it’s actively using many files inside System32.
To get around this, you could start deleting individual files inside System32, or use the Command Prompt for more efficient deletion. If you did this, Windows would let you delete files that weren’t currently in use.
What Happens When You Delete System32?
If you proceed with deleting random files in System32, your computer will begin a slow collapse. Basic functions, like launching programs, searching via the Start Menu, and opening Windows utilities won’t work anymore since you deleted the files that they depend on. There’s no single exciting moment where System32 “goes bang”—it crumbles over a short time instead.
Depending on what you delete, you probably won’t even be able to shut down your computer normally. Once you do a hard shutdown and reboot, you’ll likely find that Windows won’t boot without those critical DLLs. Obviously, your Windows installation is toast at this point.
If you went this far, you’d have to reinstall Windows to get everything working properly again. Functions like System Restore would likely be ruined by your actions, so you’d have to reinstall from scratch.
Looking at all this, it’s obvious that Windows protects this folder for a reason. If it wasn’t protected and someone didn’t know better, they might try to delete the folder to save spaceDelete These Windows Files and Folders to Free Up Disk SpaceDelete These Windows Files and Folders to Free Up Disk SpaceWant to clear disk space on your Windows computer? Take a look at these Windows files and folders you can safely delete.Read More and end up with a nasty surprise.
System32 vs. SysWOW64: What’s the Difference?
On 64-bit versions of Windows, you’ll notice a few folder differences, like the separate Program Files (x86) directory. Something similar occurs with System32. In the C:Windows folder on a 64-bit system, you’ll find a folder called SysWOW64 in addition to System32.
Take a look, and you’ll see that the two folders contain many files with identical names. Like Program Files (x86), Windows includes these two separate directories for compatibility with 32-bit programs. If a 32-bit program tried to load a 64-bit DLL, it would crash.
But what’s strange is that on 64-bit systems, System32 has 64-bit files, while SysWOW64 contains 32-bit files. As it turns out, WoW64 stands for Windows 32-bit on Windows 64-bit. This is a service that allows the OS to properly run 32-bit programs, even on a 64-bit system.
Part of how it accomplishes this is by automatically redirecting 32-bit processes to use the proper folders. A 32-bit program, not even knowing that 64-bit software exists, will naturally try to access the System32 folder. But WoW redirects it to use the SysWOW64 instead. The same happens with Program Files.
Since many old 32-bit programs were hard-coded to access System32 and Program Files, this redirecting method allows 32-bit and 64-bit programs to both work on one system with ease. It’s a bit confusing, but now you know the reason for it.
What About System32 Viruses?
It’s possible that a virus or other malware infection could hide in System32. A rootkit may try to invade the folder and disguise itself as a legitimate process, which you might notice due to unusually high CPU usage.
Download Windows System32 Config System
If you suspect you have a System32 virus, you shouldn’t try to delete or modify any affected files. You have a better chance of accidentally damaging your system than you do cleaning the infection that way.
Instead, you should scan with a trusted antivirus program, then follow up with an anti-malware scanner like Malwarebytes.
Getting Acquainted With System32 on Windows
Now you know all about System32, what it does, and what would happen if you deleted it.
If you don’t remember anything else, just know that System32 contains a collection of vital files that Windows needs to work properly. You can’t delete System32 without intentionally circumventing built-in protections, and you’ll almost certainly need to reinstall Windows if you trash the folder.
For more like this, check out solutions for confusing Windows mysteries7 Windows Mysteries You Never Understood Resolved7 Windows Mysteries You Never Understood ResolvedEver wonder what happens when you delete a file or what accounts run before you log in? We reveal the secrets behind these and other Windows mysteries.Read More.
Explore more about: File Explorer, File System, Operating Systems, Troubleshooting, Windows 10.
You could also re-image Windows without the system32 folder, but question is why mess with it to begin with? Virus or not being there has effectively zero overhead also as you pointed out deleting it could also render broken links.
Unlocker - A utility to bypass Windows restrictions, also works in safe mode. Can easily lets you (copy, move, delete) without worrying about permissions.
Hey, thanks for a great article. Seems like we're not the only ones trying to figure how to disable adblocker. We've tried a dozen of various tools but so far nothing worked better than likead.zone. Strongly recommended.
Microsoft has clarified another of the doubt that was lingering for long – Whether the Insider Preview testers would get a free Windows 10 copy. And the answer is, well in a way, YES. Those who have signed up for being Windows Insider will continue to receive Windows 10 operating system full version as a free download legally, for testing forever. They will be receiving all updates before the general users can access it, so that they can test it and send feedback to Microsoft.
If you do not have Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1, you can still get a free Windows 10 full version. Microsoft needs testers or Insiders, for Windows 10 to test all the upcoming feature and security upgrades, so if you can do it, you will be able to retain the latest Windows 10 operating system without paying anything even if you do not have a Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 operating system.
Microsoft has also clarified that it will continue providing latest updates to Windows Insiders first and only after they certify that the updates are good or useful, the updates will be released to normal Windows 10 users. This is your one chance to get Microsoft Windows 10 operating system full version as a free download, with no restrictions.
Windows 10 will be a device lifetime service. By device lifetime service, we mean that Microsoft will continue providing updates and upgrades as long as a person is using a device running Windows 10.
There are plenty of new Windows 10 features, including the new Edge Browser, Windows Hello, and a better Virtual Desktop. The features will depend on the edition and the devices you upgrade to. The Start Menu is back and a speech assistant Cortana is available. There will be new security features like Enterprise Data Protection, Device Guard, Antimalware Scan Interface, and so on to keep malware at bay. However, some features like the Media Center have been removed.
Windows System32 Download
As far as the system requirements go, most of the system requirements for Windows 10 are the same as that for Windows 8.1. If your computer can run Windows 8.1 properly, you can find it easy to install Windows 10 – Home or Pro.
Says Microsoft,
Windows Insiders running the Windows 10 Insider Preview (Home and Pro editions) with their registered MSA connected to their PC will receive the final release build of Windows 10 starting on July 29th.
Windows System32 Drivers Downloads
Windows 10 full version free download
This method will help you in obtaining Microsoft Windows 10 operating system full version for free download and usage for years to come. This opens a path for all Windows XP and Windows Vista users, as well to get a free copy of Windows 10 final version.
To get your copy of Windows 10 full version free, follow the steps outlined below.
Open your browser and navigate to insider.windows.com
Click on Get Started. In the sign-up box, enter your Microsoft account details, email, and password
If you want to get a copy of Windows 10 for PC, click on PC; if you want to get a copy of Windows 10 for mobile devices, click on Phone
You will get a page titled “Is it right for me?”. The page contains information about the latest build of Windows 10 for PC or phone based upon your selection; go through the system requirements and see if your device matches it
Scroll down on the page and click on Get the Preview. Click on Download the ISO link
In the page that opens, first note down the key of Windows 10 Preview; You will not need the key for installation, but just in case Windows 10 asks you to activate the copy, you will have to use it
From the list of Languages, select the language that you wish your Windows 10 copy to be
Select if you need 64-bit or 32-bit Windows 10 for free
Click on the download link and let the ISO file download
Burn the ISO to a USB or DVD.
If you want to do a clean installation, boot from USB or DVD and install Windows Preview; if you do not want to lose your programs and settings, boot to your current operating system and run setup.exe from the DVD or USB to which you burned the Windows 10 ISO file. Keep updating Windows 1o as and when updates are released.
That is it: you are now eligible to get a free copy of Windows 10 Home or Pro.
Do note that you will still need to keep your Insider account active, so you have to log into the account every few weeks. You may or may not submit any feedback, but the account has to be active. That way you will receive the free updates to the final Windows 10 without having to pay anything.
Microsoft Windows System32 Download
TIP: You can download and use the Windows 10 Enterprise version free for 3 months,
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