Is it okay to delete a file...?

[MaineDem]

Once I download a file and actually install it and it's running, is there any reason to keep the file?

Does this make any sense?

I have tons of files that have been fixes or even programs that are running fine but the original file (in many cases a zip file) is still sitting on my hard drive. Is it okay to delete that original file?

I know so little about so much. :)

Thanks, guys.

[Florida_Geek]

1. After you installed no problem

deleting the install program or zip.

[DieboldMustDie]

2. Deleting the Zip files is fine...

if you need the drive space.   The only reason to keep them around is in case you need to reinstall the software sometime.
;)

[MaineDem]

3. Man, I love this place!

Thanks for the quick answers. I bet I can clean up half my C-drive now.

THanks so much!

[Az]

4. Keep it only if you think you may have to reinstall it

You can actually load things directly from the net. Instead of saving and then opening simply select open when the option presents itself. If the file is executable it will load on your system.

Caution. If you are not certain of the origin of the file do not do this.

[Tripper11]

5. If you have the means...

try and keep a copy of the program installers somewhere on disc or whatever. I find that most of the time you never need them again, but sometimes a program can get wonky on you and a quick uninstall reinstall can be the fix you need.
This would be applicable to some of the more obscure software you might be running. I have 4 discs with burned programs I have used, am using and might use.
An example, my printer started messing up on me..I have an all-in-one thing with some easy software that walks me through faxing, scanning etc. and I just uninstalled and reinstalled and now it works like a dream again.