$NtUninstall...$ and $NtServicePackUninstall$ folders

[Joel Schultz]

In Windows XP, what is the "official" way to clean up the various folders
named "$NtUninstall...$ and $NtServicePackUninstall$ in the Windows folder?
Deleting the folder seems obvious, but...

Is there an official way to de-clutter the Add/Remove Program applet's list
of hotfixes and service packs that I know I won't be uninstalling? I
could've sworn that at one point there was an option somewhere to clean up
the uninstall data but can't remember where it is or if that's just
something I dreamed up.

Thanks.

 

[Chris Lanier]

"Hotfixes" are the updates you installed from the Windows Update
website. Do not be tempted to remove them or you will uninstall
the actual updates.

If you wish to safely remove the "uninstall files" for the
Hotfixes (i.e. $NtUninstallQxxxxxx$ files shown in Windows Explorer)
and cleanup your Add/Remove Programs list, visit MS-MVP Doug Knox's
excellent website for instructions.

Remove Hotfix Backup files and the Add/Remove Programs Registry entries
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

 

[Joseph Conway [MSFT]]

You can just delete them, if the appwiz doesnt cleanly uninstall them that
is.

 

[Joel Schultz]

That'll clean up the $...$ files. But will it clean up the appwiz? I just
want to declutter it, not uninstall all the good stuff.