Updates aka hotfixes (Windows XP)

[Tom]

Each time I dowload an update, it's added to the list of
programs that appear when I access "Add and Remove
Programs" feature. As a rezsult, the list is getting quite
long and the Hotfixes are threatening to outnumber all
other programs. Are these Hotfixes actually programs and
should I consider my system no longer updated if I delete
them?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You should not be tempted to "uninstall" any "Hotfixes" listed in the
Add or Remove Programs section. They are listed there in the event
your computer does not function properly after they are installed.
Uninstalling them will uninstall the actual patches which were downloaded
and installed from the Windows Update website.

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

Note: Doug's program only removes the uninstall files and Hotfix entries
in the Add/Remove Programs listing. It does not remove the

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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| Each time I dowload an update, it's added to the list of
| programs that appear when I access "Add and Remove
| Programs" feature. As a rezsult, the list is getting quite
| long and the Hotfixes are threatening to outnumber all
| other programs. Are these Hotfixes actually programs and
| should I consider my system no longer updated if I delete
| them?

 

[Phil]

Hotfixes are not programs they are fixes, patches, and updates to windows.
The entries in add/remove are the uninstall routines. You do not want to
uninstall the hotfixes.
You can however get rid of the uninstall files and the add/remove entry.
Open windows explorer, goto: tools, folder options, view tab, check the box
to show hidden files. Then browse to c:\windows and look for the unistall
files. They will look like $NTunistallkb12345$ and the number will be
different. Delete these files, then go into add/remove and try to remove the
fix. Windows will see its gone and remove the entry.

 

[grahamilton]

Just like to add;

New feature of Service Pack 2

Filter for Add or Remove Programs
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2maint.mspx

you will be able to filter out Microsoft updates from the Add Remove list.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Each time I dowload an update, it's added to the list of
programs that appear when I access "Add and Remove
Programs" feature. As a rezsult, the list is getting quite
long and the Hotfixes are threatening to outnumber all
other programs. Are these Hotfixes actually programs and
should I consider my system no longer updated if I delete
them?

Those are there so you could *uninstall* the patches. Each corresponds
to a folder of files needed for the purpose -
Windows\$NTUninstallQnnnnnn$ for the fix described at
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;nnnnnn

If you decide you will not want to uninstall a fix (and if all is
running smoothly you probably won't) then delete the folder. If you
then try in Add/remove, to Remove that one, it will fail, and you will
be offered the option of removing the entry there

 

[Unknown]

The list may be long but the total amount of bytes is insignificant.