Can I delete MSOCache?

Question

I need more space on my SSD drive and I found that MSOCache is occupying 1.3 GB. I have Microsoft Office 2010 installed.

Can I safely delete MSOCache?

Answer 1

Short answer: no. You would most likely no longer be able to perform a repair or install additional components.
I have tried it myself on a virtual machine running Windows 7 with Office 2007–I imagine it would have the same effect on Office 2010.

A safer option (as suggested here) is to burn the folder itself to DVD or move it to a USB drive, and change all references to it in the Windows registry.

From that page:

Solution, what I did recently:

1. Burn that whole folder to a CD-R or DVD (the filesize of that folder depends upon your Office version).
2. Delete that folder.
3. Search the registry in RegEdit for C:\MSOCache and change all references to point to your CD/DVD drive, example: E:\MSOCache (will of course require the disc when something Office related needs those cache files.)

Answer 2

The Local Install Source (Msocache) feature is installed so that you do not have to insert the CD during the following Setup operations:

• Detect and Repair
• Demand Install
• Maintenance Mode Setup
• Installation of service packs and patches

You can use the Windows Cleanup Wizard to remove the Msocache folder. To do this, follow the steps in the related Microsoft article.

Warning: Never delete the MSOCACHE folder by using Microsoft Windows Explorer.

Answer 3

The best way to prevent this folder from being placed on your drive in the first place, is by selecting the Delete installation files check-box during the installation of Office.

From this thread :

If you delete it this is what will happen:

• MS Office's repair function won't work from the hard disk cache anymore - will require the CD to fix it.
• Microsoft Updates for Office that require the cache won't work from the hard disk cache anymore - will require the CD to install them.

Solution, what I did recently:

1. Burn that whole folder to a CD-R or DVD (the filesize of that folder depends upon your Office version).
2. Delete that folder.
3. Search the registry in regEdit for C:\MSOCache and change all references to point to your CD/DVD drive, example: E:\MSOCache (will of course require the disc when something Office-related needs those cache files.)

Answer 4

Very similar to previous answers - the twist is I moved C:\MSOCache to my second HD, D:\MSOCache and then all I had to do is use regEdit to change the C: to D: for all references to MSOCache for an overall quick and painless way to free-up a sizable chuck of C: HD space.