C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution – Is it acceptable to clear at every startup?

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An ethical question please?  Keeping personal details out, experiencing a dilemma where an organization is wanting to delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution every time at startup across all computers as a means to solve a small percentage of said organizations computers with patching issues.

I am 100% against this.  I feel it will cause more harm than any good.  This is only a troubleshooting measure where needed, NEVER something to inflict across the board.  Am seeking feedback on this ethical question to help be a stronger voice on this matter.  Thank you for your feedback.

 

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I agree, I think it would cause more harm than good. You’d be deleting the entire update history on every boot as well as slowing down scanning for updates. Deleting the Download subfolder periodically might be acceptable but not the whole thing.

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NeedHelp101

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What’s the “small percentage of problems”? Can you define what symptoms they are getting that this is an acceptable ‘fix’?  As that loses updating history as well as making the machine download anything back down again.  I do it as a last resort, not first step.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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I agree it’s a last resort, never the first step.  I would estimate 5% have patching issues or delays in patching.  Each issue is typically different from corrupt patches, to corrupt group policies, to something else wrong with the computer – no trends on the same culprit.  In this organization the tactic that was being attempted was to throw everything at all systems to act like a band-aid to address those problem computers.  Essentially looking for a easy fix.  I am 100% against this and did get this to stop but worry it might be attempted again.  Need this feedback to help me.  Thank you for your reply.

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