Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: Windows XP Safe File Deletions ( Answered 4 out of 5 stars,   2 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Windows XP Safe File Deletions
Category: Miscellaneous
Asked by: sagroot-ga
List Price: $2.50
Posted: 25 Sep 2005 07:09 PDT
Expires: 25 Oct 2005 07:09 PDT
Question ID: 572346
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.
Answer  
Subject: Re: Windows XP Safe File Deletions
Answered By: livioflores-ga on 25 Sep 2005 08:21 PDT
Rated:4 out of 5 stars
 
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
sagroot-ga rated this answer:4 out of 5 stars and gave an additional tip of: $1.00
Answer was thorough and helpful.

Comments  
Subject: Re: Windows XP Safe File Deletions
From: cj7777-ga on 25 Sep 2005 07:20 PDT
 
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.
Subject: Re: Windows XP Safe File Deletions
From: livioflores-ga on 25 Sep 2005 08:05 PDT
 
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.

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy