john8217
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Unknown files, folders in C:\Windows.
We have some Windows XP Pro PCs. In the C:\Windows folder there are about 100 folders that are named something like "$NtUninstallKB926436$." Also, there's about an equal number of notepad files named something like "KB926436.log."
I don't think any of these existed when we first got these PCs several years ago. I think over time we've been accumulating these (perhaps when we do updates?).
I was wondering:
1) Why do we have these files and folders?
2) Is it OK to delete them, because they're taking up about 2 GB of space.
I don't think any of these existed when we first got these PCs several years ago. I think over time we've been accumulating these (perhaps when we do updates?).
I was wondering:
1) Why do we have these files and folders?
2) Is it OK to delete them, because they're taking up about 2 GB of space.
Houssam Ballout
they are the updates for your windows
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If you have Network Storage/US B Storage attached, I would move them, JUST IN CASE...... The uninstall directories also contain not only the uninstallers, but the backed up files that they replace.
ASKER
Hmm. In that case I have 2 more questions:
1) Are these folders specific to the PC that they're on or can they be used to uninstall the same update off of another PC?
For example: Suppose I copied these folders from Computer A to a backup drive, then deleted these folders on Computers A-E. Later, if I need to uninstall one of these updates off of Computer C, can I copy the folder for that update onto Computer C (even though that folder was originally from Computer A)?
2) Even without these folders, surely, doesn't Microsoft provide some other way (or a specific utility) to uninstall an update?
1) Are these folders specific to the PC that they're on or can they be used to uninstall the same update off of another PC?
For example: Suppose I copied these folders from Computer A to a backup drive, then deleted these folders on Computers A-E. Later, if I need to uninstall one of these updates off of Computer C, can I copy the folder for that update onto Computer C (even though that folder was originally from Computer A)?
2) Even without these folders, surely, doesn't Microsoft provide some other way (or a specific utility) to uninstall an update?
No, there probably isn't another way to uninstall the updates. I have a couple of thing that I can't uninstall because the 'install' directory is missing along with the install details. The folders are at least somewhat specific because not all machines have the same software which means they don't have the same updates. And if the versions of the software like Office 2007 versus Office 2010 are different, then the updates are likely to be different. I don't think you can count on them be 'transportable'.
1. Technically that would work if the previous updates were the same level when it was installed, but you could end up with the wrong version of a .dll (which can be bad). If all your systems are updates the same way then maybe this would be ok.....maybe.... I mean mirror images in terms of software installed and the same updates.....
2. Nope..... This IS their way that they have provided... Basically because of the way the previous versions are archived (and how update.exe handles WFP) something like Revo would not be able to do it... System restore could if you catch the problem soon enough...
2. Nope..... This IS their way that they have provided... Basically because of the way the previous versions are archived (and how update.exe handles WFP) something like Revo would not be able to do it... System restore could if you catch the problem soon enough...
Backup the folder starting with $ in C:\Windows into a DVD Disk and then delete them.
If you have any problem and need to uninstall it, place the $file that your need on the C:\windows.
Also make a Restore point before doing that.
If you have any problem and need to uninstall it, place the $file that your need on the C:\windows.
Also make a Restore point before doing that.
ASKER
Thanks guys