Can I delete "$hf_mig$,$NtServicePackUninstall$,$NtUninstallKB8287

[Guest]

I am XP Home SP2 edition.
I found that there are many
"$hf_mig$,$NtServicePackUninstall$,$NtUninstallKB828741$,....," files in
windows folder, which seem to be traces of windows updates.

Can I remove them to save HDD space without any problem?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Guest]

Hi,

Usually yes, but check out this site from a MVP before you delete:

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

I am XP Home SP2 edition.
I found that there are many
"$hf_mig$,$NtServicePackUninstall$,$NtUninstallKB828741$,....," files in
windows folder, which seem to be traces of windows updates.

Can I remove them to save HDD space without any problem?

Hi

Do *not* delete the $hf_mig$ folder, the rest you can delete as
long as it is ok to lose the option to uninstall the updates
later on (only interesting if you suspect that one of the updates
have caused you problems).

 

[Oldster]

Does that mean I can delete the contents of folder $hf_mig$....?

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

Does that mean I can delete the contents of folder $hf_mig$....?

Hi,

No, you should not delete the contents in the folder $hf_mig$...

 

[frodo]

you should not delete $hf_mig$, but the others are ok to delete if you
don't ever want to uninstall those hotfixes.

the $hf_mig$ folder is there for future upgrades to reference, so that
they won't unwittingly undermine an already installed hotfix by mistakenly
installing an older-or-incompatable version of a file.

 

[Shooter]

No, you should not delete the contents in the folder $hf_mig$...

Greetings Torgeir,

I had also wondered about that folder and now I know. However, there
is another folder that has shown up since the last few updates were
made that I have no idea about.

First let me tell you what I do. After updates, I wait a week or two
to see if everything is fine and if so, I then use a utility called
xp_remove_hotfix_backup.exe to delete the hotfix backups or Qxxxx
and/or KBxxxx directories.

However, now I have a directory showing up called
$MSI31Uninstall_KB893803$ which does not seem to be named your normal
hotfix name. Can you tell me what this is and if I need it and its
contents. Everything is running fine since the last batch of MS
updates.

Regards,

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

Greetings Torgeir,

I had also wondered about that folder and now I know. However, there
is another folder that has shown up since the last few updates were
made that I have no idea about.

First let me tell you what I do. After updates, I wait a week or two
to see if everything is fine and if so, I then use a utility called
xp_remove_hotfix_backup.exe to delete the hotfix backups or Qxxxx
and/or KBxxxx directories.

However, now I have a directory showing up called
$MSI31Uninstall_KB893803$ which does not seem to be named your normal
hotfix name. Can you tell me what this is and if I need it and its
contents.

Hi

The $MSI31Uninstall_KB893803$ folder contains the uninstall files
for the newly released Windows Installer 3.1 (this is not a security
update).

I have no idea why they have prefixed the folder name with MSI31.

You will find this update in your Add/Remove Programs list, as
"Windows Installer 3.1 (KB893803)".

More about this update here:

Windows Installer 3.1 is available
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;893803

I would have waited a couple of months before deleting this folder,
just in case some Windows Installer issues shows up during this
period, to be able to uninstall it to see if it solves the problem.

 

[Shooter]

I have no idea why they have prefixed the folder name with MSI31.

That is why the xp_remove_hotfix_backup.exe utility does not find it
for possible removal.

You will find this update in your Add/Remove Programs list, as
"Windows Installer 3.1 (KB893803)".

Not listed under my Add/Remove Programs list even though I have not
deleted it or tampered with it in any way (not knowing what it was).
Wonder if it actually got installed. Going back to the MS update
site, nothing lists as needing to be installed so undoubtedly, it is
installed. Anyway to tell?

I would have waited a couple of months before deleting this folder

Since I have not deleted it or messed with it yet, I will take you
advice and leave it alone for a few month.

Thank you for your swift reply and information.....

Regards,

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

That is why the xp_remove_hotfix_backup.exe utility does not find it
for possible removal.


Not listed under my Add/Remove Programs list even though I have not
deleted it or tampered with it in any way (not knowing what it was).

I have now tested it and xp_remove_hotfix_backup.exe removes the
uninstall entry in registry (but not the uninstall folder). That is
why you cannot see it anymore.

Anyway, if you need to, you can start the uninstall process by running
C:\WINDOWS\$MSI31Uninstall_KB893803$\spuninst\spuninst.exe

Wonder if it actually got installed. Going back to the MS update
site, nothing lists as needing to be installed so undoubtedly, it is
installed. Anyway to tell?

Start/Run --> msiexec.exe

If it lists "Windows ® Installer. V 3.01.4000.1823" at the top, Windows
Installer 3.1 is installed.

 

[Shooter]

Thanks for all your help Torgeir. Got the whole thing under control.

Have a nice day.....

 

[hkdoctor]

I looks like the $hf_mig$ should not deleted. However, What should do if the $hf_mig$ deleted ? Anyway to recover or copy from another server that has the same OS and service pack ?

 

[synth]

i had a win xp pro sp2
then i installed sp3, thus folder $hf_mig$ occurred.
then i got another disc of win xp pro wich had sp3 embedded in it and installed it over my existing win xp sp2+sp3 installation (renewal mode).
i suspect now all system files in my installation are newer (not older) than these of $hf_mig$ folder. and i think that if i run sfc files won't be taken from $hf_mig$ folder.
am i right? is it now safe to delete $hf_mig$ folder?