What is Microsoft Software Distribution Directory

[Sadiee]

On a Windows 2003 server I found a file over 600MB while looking under Windows Directory under C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\Download directory.Some of the files are a few years old. I have googled this and searched Microsoft and can find no good info on this. What is this Software Distribution Directory means ? Can i delete this folder ?

[Orlando]

That is a normal file and not at all unexpected.I think it is a folder created by a previous Admin that used it as the place to put the MSI Installation files for pushing out software installations via Group Policy.Windows Updates are downloaded to the download folder and installed.Using software distribution eliminates the inefficient process of providing thousands of software CDs to users, along with programs and instructions.

The automated process of program distribution eliminates user errors such as entering incorrect values in prompts, running incorrect programs, or entering incorrect arguments. By using software distribution, clients can successfully run programs and install software without needing to know how to run these programs or which setup options are best for them.

[Fullorton]

In order to delete everything you must go into Services, stop Automatic Updates and the BITS services. Then delete, then start them up. but before deleting it, you can use the capabilities of the software distribution feature to perform many administrative tasks like, Install software on client computers, providing different installation options for the same software, Perform any function that can run from a command line, Run utilities such as virus checks or disk defragmentation, etc... in order to delete, Delete the downloads folder only, keeping the Update history data file, and take the chance that you don't get out-of-sync of downloaded files/not installed.

[knightflyer_09]

Can someone help me with this --um---program ?? It was installed in error before I knew what it was and it has 'eaten' the '.dll' ties between my IBM Think Pad and my wireless software..........this Software Distribution program took the '.dll' and applied it elsewhere..can't find where.................If I do a 'recovery' on the system, it is still rather new, will that remove this Software Distribution nightmare..........it does not seem to like any programming that is not windows/msn based.
Thanks in advance for any help.