Remove HOTFIX Backups?

[JGM]

Since my system of XP Pro is working perfectly and is right up to date why
cant I remove the hotfix backup files........Logic seems to tell me that
unless I was a fool I would never uninstall the newer fixes for the old
version....How do I do this as I have full confidence in the quality of
advice on this magnificent news group...


Regards to the MVP and other Gurus JGM

 

[Sharon F]

Since my system of XP Pro is working perfectly and is right up to date why
cant I remove the hotfix backup files........Logic seems to tell me that
unless I was a fool I would never uninstall the newer fixes for the old
version....How do I do this as I have full confidence in the quality of
advice on this magnificent news group...


Regards to the MVP and other Gurus JGM

Note that the hotfixes that can be uninstalled are rarely critical security
updates. They are usually of a more general and optional nature.
Eventually the bulk of the backed up files will be removed by the next
Service Pack that will incorporate all updates since Service Pack 1.

While I can think of a few scenarios where the need to uninstall an update
could arise, these would be exceptions to the rule instead of common
circumstances. However, they're not out of the realm of possibility either
so there is fair argument for leaving uninstall info as well as for removing
it.

Bottom line: if you are comfortable and/or pressed for hard drive space, go
ahead and remove the uninstall info now. Understanding that the
consequence of removing backup info is forfeiting the option to uninstall
the update.

 

[JGM]

Thanks Sharon........I take it that if I just delete the hotfix folders in
the Windowws directory that this will do the trick.......I would also like
to ask if this will affect the udate catalogue files...In which case it
could cause problems for the windows update machine?

Regards JGM Graham

 

[Sharon F]

Thanks Sharon........I take it that if I just delete the hotfix folders in
the Windowws directory that this will do the trick.......I would also like
to ask if this will affect the udate catalogue files...In which case it
could cause problems for the windows update machine?

You're most welcome.

To remove backup info for a hotfix, yes, you just need to delete the
folders for them found in the Windows directory. After deleting, you can
also double click on the hotfix's corresponding entry in Add/Remove
Programs. You will get a prompt that the hotfix can no longer be
uninstalled and the message will include an offer to remove the hotfix
listing from Add/Remove.

If you'd like to give it a try, MVP Doug Knox has a nice little program
that automates all of these steps for you:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

Removing the backup information for a hotfix does not change its status.
Windows Update will still recognize the fact that the updates are installed.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

You're correct, Sharon that removing the backup files doesn't affect Windows
Update, but removing the Registry entries for Add/Remove Programs can, if
not done correctly. My utility takes that into account and recreates the
information that Windows Update looks for.

 

[Sharon F]

You're correct, Sharon that removing the backup files doesn't affect Windows
Update, but removing the Registry entries for Add/Remove Programs can, if
not done correctly. My utility takes that into account and recreates the
information that Windows Update looks for.

Thanks for the info (and the utility from your site), Doug. What would be
an "incorrect" way of removing the Add/Remove entries? Is the
Add/Remove prompt about missing uninstall info unreliable in this case?
Haven't run into that problem on any that I've manually removed myself...

 

[Alex Nichol]

Since my system of XP Pro is working perfectly and is right up to date why
cant I remove the hotfix backup files........Logic seems to tell me that
unless I was a fool I would never uninstall the newer fixes for the old
version....How do I do this as I have full confidence in the quality of
advice on this magnificent news group...

Yes, you can delete them. Each 'Hotfix Q nnnnnn (or KB nnnnnn) is
described at
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;nnnnnn
and has a hidden folder of files needed to uninstall at
Windows\$NTUninstallQnnnnnn$

If you are happy that all is well, delete that folder. If you then try
the 'Add remove' entry , it will fail, and offer to remove the entry

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Typically, Sharon, most people just delete the subkey under

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

Windows Update checks to see if the appropriate subkey is present. If not,
then Windows Update may prompt you to install the update again. Some check
this key and another location, and if either is found, then it won't prompt
you.

The alternate location is:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\HotFix\<subkey>

Usually looking for the Installed value.

 

[Sharon F]

Typically, Sharon, most people just delete the subkey under

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

Windows Update checks to see if the appropriate subkey is present. If not,
then Windows Update may prompt you to install the update again. Some check
this key and another location, and if either is found, then it won't prompt
you.

The alternate location is:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\HotFix\<subkey>

Usually looking for the Installed value.

Thanks for the details about where things can run amuck, Doug. I usually
just send them to Add/Remove instead of recommending any registry
editing. Good to know I haven't led anyone astray but will add a caution
about direct editing of the registry in regards to this procedure anyhow.
And of course will continue to recommend your utility. I know that you
test your things as thoroughly as possible so I never hesitate at
recommending them.