Question on file deletion

While browsing through my Windows XP directory in Explorer, I see about two dozen directory files there that are blue instead of black. They are some sort of "$NtUninstall" type file that appears to be from initial install of XP at the factory.

Right below those are the normal Windows directories.

Can these be safely deleted?

 

Those are the files that enable you to uninstall the Windows updates you have downloaded and installed (listed as "Hotfixes" in Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs).

If you don't intend to uninstall any of the hotfixes, you can delete the $NtUninstall folders.

 

Once you have deleted these update uninstall folders, go into Add/Remove programs and upon attempting to uninstall them you will be presented with an error message and then "would you like to remove this entry from Add/Remove "

Note. Only do this AFTER deleting the $NtUninstall folders, 'else you will remove (uninstall) the hotfix.

 

Hi Paul,

I'm pretty sure that rebooting will take care of the Add/Remove entries for the deleted $NtUninstall... files - they will disappear. That's the way it worked for me and I know for others. We had a thread on this not too long ago.

EDIT: Found it http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=33240&highlight=uninstall

Regards - Charles