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There are 40 files beginning with api-ms-win-crt are they needed for windows 7 to use FireFox ?

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My Mozilla FireFox is being used on my PC with Windows 7 installed, I have noticed 40 files that are using the same file name as used in the C:\windows\winsxs folder.; Are these file needed to run Mozilla FireFox ? Can I remove these files ? Will microsoft gain access to Mozilla, Windows, my PC using these file's and built in back doors in these files ?

If the can't be removed, if they are not neccessary to run Mozilla FireFox, and if these files are giving Microsoft access to these area's why ?

My Mozilla FireFox is being used on my PC with Windows 7 installed, I have noticed 40 files that are using the same file name as used in the C:\windows\winsxs folder.; Are these file needed to run Mozilla FireFox ? Can I remove these files ? Will microsoft gain access to Mozilla, Windows, my PC using these file's and built in back doors in these files ? If the can't be removed, if they are not neccessary to run Mozilla FireFox, and if these files are giving Microsoft access to these area's why ?
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Chosen solution

Please consider turning on send info to Mozilla before posting a question. This helps us help you.

Do this about a week after major Windows Updates for all Windows 7-10 https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/clean-winsxs-folder-to-save-space Microsoft Disk Cleanup should be run weekly as a cleanup chore and before you defrag.

Note : Firefox 56.0.2 is current release https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ Full Version Installer Note : Firefox 57 Quantum release date Nov 14th https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/quantum/ Note : Legacy Extensions will be disabled and or removed.

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.

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Chosen Solution

Please consider turning on send info to Mozilla before posting a question. This helps us help you.

Do this about a week after major Windows Updates for all Windows 7-10 https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/clean-winsxs-folder-to-save-space Microsoft Disk Cleanup should be run weekly as a cleanup chore and before you defrag.

Note : Firefox 56.0.2 is current release https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ Full Version Installer Note : Firefox 57 Quantum release date Nov 14th https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/quantum/ Note : Legacy Extensions will be disabled and or removed.

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.

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That are C runtime library files that are used by various Windows versions to provide access to API functions. Just leave them in place or otherwise Firefox might not function properly.

Modified by cor-el

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My question still stands, but I will as it in a different way ;)

Who created these file's was it Microsoft ?