Removing Update Uninstall Files

[JD]

I've read here and elsewhere the procedure for removing the
$NtUninstallKBxxxxxx$ folders from C:\Windows.
However, I notice that in addition to 15 of these (added since SP2), there
is also a folder called $hf_mig$ which contains 15 more folders, each
apparently duplicating the contents of the $NtUninstall$ folders.
What are these other folders for, and can they also be deleted?

 

[Patti MacLeod]

Hi JD,

It would not be a good idea to delete the $hf_mig$ folder or its contents.
More information is available in this MSKB article:
Description of the contents of Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Server
2003 software update packages
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=824994
The purpose of the items in the $hf_mig$ folder is explained beside the
fourth bullet in the "Notes" section.



Regards,

 

[Guest]

You can safely remove the $NT files. I have done it before myself. I'm not
totally certain about the $hf files, but I think the answer to your question
is yes, you can probably remove these as well.

Before you do, however, get corroboration from a MVP or from Microsoft's
website directly! Either that, or be prepared to reinstall Windows if
something goes really, really wrong. Also, you should first back these files
up and also create a System Restore point.

I am virtually 100% certain that if you do remove them, you will be unable
to uninstall any Windows updates that were previouslly installed. I don't
see this as a problem -- who wants to go back to an earlier and probably more
flawed version of Windows?

 

[Guest]

JD, ignore my post and read Patti's post, including the linked article.

 

[Modem Ani]

Hi Patti,

I have this friend...he deleted the $hf_mig$ folder a couple of weeks
ago...his computer still runs very well...what advice would you give me...to
tell my friend.

Modem Ani

 

[JD]

Patti. Thank you very much. You were answered my question and pointed me to
a very informative kb article that I would not have known how to find
myself.
Regards, Jim

 

[Patti MacLeod]

You're most welcome!



Regards,

 

[Patti MacLeod]

Hi Modem Ani,

The $hf_mig$ folder will be re-created when your friend next installs a
security update/critical patch/update rollup, but will only contain folders
for those patches that were installed after he deleted the folder. If he
wants the folders from the previous patches to be placed in the $hf_mig$
folder, he would have to re-install the updates for which the folders were
deleted.



Regards,

 

[Guest]

I've wondered myself if all these files could be removed but was afraid to
take a chance it would mess up my computer. So, is it okay to delete all but
the $hf_mig$?

 

[Modem Ani]

Good to know. I thank you...I mean, my friend thanks you.

Modem Ani

 

[Patti MacLeod]

You're welcome........er.......I mean........your friend is welcome ;-)



Regards,