Remove Windows Update Files?

  • Thread starter Thread starter LMO
  • Start date Start date
L

LMO

Aloha. Is it safe to remove the numerous update files in the Windows folder
(i.e.- $NtUninstallKB842773$ , etc.) if the system is working fine?
Thanks!
 
These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,
however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or
update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.
I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of folders
and delete the older updates.
As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.

Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$

Also See Doug Knox's page on this issue:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

JS
 
Folders that have uninstall as part of the name (for example $NtUninstallKB282010$ which
reside in C:\windows (hidden folders) are Window Hot Fix Update folders/files) can be
safely deleted (providing you never wish to uninstall the updates). I would recommend
leaving these folders for a period of at least a month to make sure the update is working
correctly.

These updates can be deleted individually or in multiples. To find out more about the
update/s go to:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=XXXXXX
NB: XXXXXX = the actual number not including the "Q" or "KB"

Once you have deleted the uninstall folders/files, then go to Control Panel, Add/Remove
Programs. Select the matching Windows Hotfix Title relating the update folder/file you
have just deleted and select remove. You will get a Windows error. This is because you
have deleted the uninstall folder/files. Just choose OK and the entry will be deleted from
the Add/Remove Programs Listing.


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TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2008 - Australia
====================================
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| Aloha. Is it safe to remove the numerous update files in the Windows folder
| (i.e.- $NtUninstallKB842773$ , etc.) if the system is working fine?
| Thanks!
|
|
 

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