Is it safe to delete or transfer to another drive the WINDOWS
$UnInstall files that are generated by Hotfixes, etc. They use
enormous file space.

Hi!!

As I told you in my comment the better idea is to back up the files,
but they can be safely removed without affecting the system. Always
wait at least a week or two after the hotfix installation before
delete the $UnInstall files in order to see if it affects your
computer or if it have bugs, see for more reference:
"Save Space":
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm


There is also a tool that delete those files:
"Remove Hotfix Backup Files":
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm


See also for further references:
"$NTUninstall folders - Description":
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/Hotfix_backup.htm

"How to uninstall a hotfix or Service Pack via the Recovery Console?":
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/spuninst.htm

"How to remove Windows Update (Hotfix) backup files manually":
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~atm/remove_winupd_backup.html


Search strategy:
"$UnInstall" hotfix delete


Hope that this helps. If you need a clarification, feel free to request for it.

Regards,
livioflores-ga

Answer was thorough and helpful.

The files can be deleted, BUT it will prevent you from uninstalling
the hotfix etc at a leter date. This could be critical if a newer
hotfix requires the older one to be uninstalled before the new one is
installed. My recomendation - leave them alone. If you are running out
of hard drive space, get a bigger hard dive.

I suggest you to save those files in a CD-R or DVD-R (or many) and
then delete them, this back up will be useful in cases like commented
by cj7777.