Files in Windows/winsxs folder. Can I delete them?

[roving]

While doing a thorough scan with Malwarebytes I found it slogging through a folder under 'Windows' named 'winsxs'. In it are hundreds of similar files, all beginning "amd64_microsoft. followed by a long string that varies a bit from the previous ones. This is on my HP laptop 64 bit Win 7 machine. Can I delete these files and do do no harm? Thanks!

 

[Pauly]

I would definately not delete anything in the windows folder, pretty much everything except temp files are there for a reason
The sxs (side by side ) folder contains backup if you like of system dll`s and is not to be messed with

Google is your friend http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_rn=1&gs_ri=hp&cp=7&gs_id=q&xhr=t&q=winsxs+folder&pf=p&tbo=d&biw=1440&bih=775&sclient=psy-ab&oq=winsxs+&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.d2k&fp=def9f3f538eb70d&bpcl=40096503

 

[whs]

If you want to brick your system go ahead. But the smart man stays off winsxs which is about the most inportant folder in your system.

 

[roving]

Thanks to both of you for the quick and direct response. I try to never make such a move without checking with you sages on the Forum first. Much appreciated! They will stay untouched.

 

[Pedroc1999]

Needless to say, deleting files in your 'windows\temp' can speed up an old computer massively, I do it whenever my pc lags