Windows 7 forum: Delete Prefetch Files

To what end? Prefetch is aimed at... well... prefetching data and loading it into memory before you actually need it. Deleting these files would likely hinder it's efficacy, since it's likely using some kind of machine learning system to do more accurate predicting.

It's highly unlikely you'll cripple the system in any way, but it seems a bit like shooting yourself in the foot before trying to make a quick getaway.

You should find two (maybe more?) lines of thought here. The bottom line is there is so little gain here and no upside.

I'd like to hear what you think about the WINSXS issue instead. What's that? Read http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?threadID=347654

That should blow away any of your prefetch concerns.
Bob

I agree to leave the prefetch folder alone. Each time you turn on your computer, Windows keeps track of the way your computer starts and which programs you commonly open. Windows saves this information as a number of small files in the prefetch folder. The next time you turn on your computer, Windows refers to these files to help speed the start process.

The prefetch folder is a subfolder of the Windows system folder. The prefetch folder is self-maintaining, and there's no need to delete it or empty its contents. If you empty the folder, Windows and your programs will take longer to open the next time you turn on your computer.

Resource: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-is-the-prefetch-folder

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach