how to remove downloaded update files that are not yet installed

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

I have a relatively old computer that cannot handle un update to WinXP SP2.
However, the SP2 files were automatically downloaded to the computer, and
they are presumably taking up space. Does anyone know how to remove them? [I
know that you can use add/remove programs to undo updates that have been
installed, but this computer cannot even handle installing the SP2 files].
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Some of the Hotfixes (Mostly security updates) do not have an uninstall
feature, these will not appear in the Add and Remove list. If a Hotfix does
appear in the Add and Remove list then it can be uninstalled just like any
other program.

If you uninstall the Hotfix, you will lose the benefits of that patch. This
should only be done if you can determine that you are experiencing negative
effects from the particular Hotfix.

If you simply do not want them to appear in the Add and Remove list and you
are sure that you will not need the uninstall option, you can remove items
from that list by using a registry tweak.

Automated Edit:

Remove Hotfixes from Add or Remove (Line 193)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Manual Edit: Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

Expand this branch and look at the list. The Hotfixes are all listed by a
"Q" number that corresponds to the entry in the Add and Remove list. Make
sure that you back up each Key before deleting it.

Select the key and then select File/Export and include the Q number in the
name of the file. Right click the entries you want to remove and select
Delete.

Added info:

Cleaning up after installing SP2: MVP Alex Nichol
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_s.htm#cleanup

Troubleshooting, Removing and/or Cleaning Add or Remove Programs
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_a.htm#addremove


--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm
 
Back
Top