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Clean up after Windows Update
When Windows Update runs under Windows XP it creates hidden folders named $NtUninstall... within the Windows folder containing the files needed in order to remove the update. These folders may be removed to save disk space.
It is important to understand that if you remove these folders then it will not be possible to uninstall the corresponding Windows updates. However, it is rarely necessary to remove Windows updates, and when it is necessary, this usually becomes apparent immediately after installation of the update. There is very little risk involved in removing updates that have been installed and in use for more than a couple of weeks.
Solution
You can simply delete the folders with names starting with $NtUninstall. However, Windows Update creates a log of the installation, as well as entries in the registry that allow the update to be removed using Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. These entries need to be removed as well, in order to avoid leaving invalid uninstall information.
Method 1
Removing the folders and registry entries manually.
- In Windows Explorer, click on Tools, Folder Options and select the View tab.
- Ensure that Show hidden files and folders is selected.
- Open the Windows folder.
- Locate a $NtUninstall... folder.
- Note the name or KB number that follows Uninstall.
- Delete the folder.
- Delete the .log file with the name noted above.
- Start the Registry Editor.
- Expand SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
- Delete the subkey with the name noted above.
- Expand SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Management\ARPCache
- Delete the subkey with the name noted above.
Method 2
Use the free utility Windows XP Update Remover.
Applies to:
- Windows XP
three comments:
The link to the free utility "Windows XP Update Remover" does not work. I get eror 404.
elisea () - 09 09 2008 - 21:51
Works for me. I've always done this manually.
A bit hard to do them all one by one, could be a select all option too.
But thanks for a good tips.
McB - 12 11 2009 - 09:18
i am starting my pc everyday around 6.50 a.m. and it is shutting down automatically everyday around 7.30 a.m. this is happening since past 7 days. i have changed the time settings, but no use. is it happening due to virus. please help.
am - 24 01 2010 - 10:54