I came across a folder which was reported as empty and tried to delete it. I had to take ownership but still could not delete it --- then found it had around 10 MB of .ETC log files relating to such things as incorrect shutdown from last year and this year. Can I delete these files now, and others I may find later?
I would do a test and trail method.
First, make sure you know how to start up your computer in an alternate operating system, such as Ubuntu, which can read your main local drive's files. After being able to read your main drive's files in an alternate operating system, restart your computer normally.
Then, create a new folder elsewhere on your drive and move those files there (maybe somewhere far so they don't bother you as much, like: C:\Program Files\ETC Log Files )
1) Suppose the computer has difficulties starting up or whatever, then you can start the computer up with Ubuntu, move the files back to their location, and restart, and figure out what these files really are.. but that's a different story which is very unlikely.
2) Or, (if after moving the files and) nothing strange happens within the next few weeks to the next few months, etc.., then why not delete them, right?
Personally I wouldn't go messing with system files manually. Run ccleaner to tidy up your PC in a safe way.
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