Disk cleanup – Server 2008 R2

One of the most common tickets I have ever had to work has been related to the C drive running out of space on a server.

The easy fix in the virtual age is to expand the VHD to clear the alert. However, sometimes this isn’t an option for whatever reason.

When checking the space, it is common to find that the WINSXS folder is huge thanks to all the windows updates that get installed over time.

Some time back, Microsoft released a "fix" to enable the cleanup of this folder. However, it does need the Desktop Experience to be installed. There are two things against this - 1 - it needs a reboot and 2 - its a server for goodness sakes!!

Here is the way round it:

Install KB2852386 – this does not need a reboot

Copy the following files:

> copy C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-cleanmgr_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_c9392808773cd7da\cleanmgr.exe C:\Windows\System32\

> copy C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-cleanmgr.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_en-us_b9cb6194b257cc63\cleanmgr.exe.mui C:\Windows\System32\en-US\

Run the cleanmgr.exe:

> cleanmgr.exe

This launches disk cleanup with the new option of "Windows Update Cleanup".