Deleting Old Microsoft Updates?????

Remoc · Dec 2, 2007

I'm running Windows XP SP2 - I don't think any system specs are relevant but if anybody wants 'em just ask -- but I'm going through doing some routine maintenance and I had a question about the way the Microsoft Updates work. I have literally oodles of Security Updates and Windows XP Hotfix's on my system. Are these cumulative, meaning that I would be able to delete the oldest one's and just keep the most recent or, as I suspect is true, does each one cover a certain aspect and thus require all the others to form a cumulative fix. I'd like to know 'cause I have got pages of these things. Thanks for you're time if anybody's able to get around to this question.

NICK ADSL UK · Dec 2, 2007

Hi Remoc
You should never uninstall the Microsoft updates or patches which would leave your computer open to venerabilities. The Microsoft windows update site will always update your files as and when necessary

regards

Remoc · Dec 2, 2007

Wow Scott that was quick. Thanks, but how far back can be removed or uninstalled and still be safe. I think I have updates from 2005. Thanks again

Remoc · Dec 2, 2007

Hey Nick, So best to leave them be. OK I am just concerned about HDD Space. I'm at about 18GB. I do have a 250GB external WD HDD. Is it possible to move them??

NICK ADSL UK · Dec 2, 2007

Remoc said: ↑

Hey Nick, So best to leave them be. OK I am just concerned about HDD Space. I'm at about 18GB. I do have a 250GB external WD HDD. Is it possible to move them??
Click to expand...

No it's not best to move them they are working within a protected environment out of harms way so best leave them where they are. If you are getting short on hard drive space then perhaps you could look about getting another external drive perhaps as they are very reasonably priced at the moment ?

DavidGP · Dec 2, 2007

Hi

Do not uninstall and hotfixes from Add/remove as it will as Nick said, remove the security or bug fix from Windows, you cannot move them,they are installed into the core OS.

So just to get maybe on the same page are you refering to the downloaded hotfixes that are located in the C: Windows > NTuninstall folders which look like $NTUninstallKBxxxxxx$ ( where xxxxx equals the KB hotfix number ) and in blue text then yes you can remove/delete these BUT by removing them you also remove the option to uninstall any of them if they were to cause issue, personally I feel its best to leave alone.

TimW · Dec 2, 2007

And for another take ....if you are concerned about hdd space ....there is a program to move applications to your other drive ....though it may be best just to move your data over.
Can we assume that you have used CCleaner and removed all the junk?

Remoc · Dec 2, 2007

Nick, Thank You so much for the promt and informative responces. As I stated above I do have an external drive so I got the answer I was hoping I wouldn't get. Time to build a new rig. Thanks again.

TimW · Dec 2, 2007

scott_hayes89 said: ↑

thanks remoc, actually too many updates or certain ones could do more harm than good....especially slower surfing through the internet...
Click to expand...

Security updates will do nothing to slow down surfing ...though temp files and such will ...could you give an example of an update that slowed your system??

scott_hayes89 · Dec 2, 2007

well one example for my Me update.cant remember the exact update is yet.it slowed down my surfing for some reason. so i took that update out and restart my computer, then i was able to surf the way i like..im not saying updates arent good it just whatever works for your computer.....

Remoc · Dec 2, 2007

Halo, Thank you for reiterating what Nick said. I was just Hoping. :confused

Hey Tim, Also Thanks for the quick responce. Yes I run CCleaner a few times a day and also use IObit Smart Defrag, Auto defrag. There are a few Programs that I can probably move over to the WD External.

This is exactly the reason I LOVE this Forum. The Help is Phenominal.
Thanks Guys

TimW · Dec 2, 2007

@ Scot ..The you would be wise to ask what operating system the OP was using ...as ME was one of the worst builds that MS ever put out ...and does not apply to other operating systems.
Please make sure your advice is both helpful and appropriate to the OP.

@Remoc...please tell us what you need to do...as building a new system is surely not the answer to your issue.

TimW · Dec 2, 2007

Remoc...http://majorgeeks.com/download.php/”www.majorgeeks.com/Application_Mover_d526.html

Remoc · Dec 2, 2007

Hey Tim. I don't have anything major that I'm worried about. I just prefer to have ample HDD Space. The one thing that brought all of this up is I have noticed my C: drive space is dwendling and I'm not putting anything on it. I have had several MS Updates so I just thought that might be the culprit. I have lost about two GB's in about a week. Even with the Updates I don't think that is the cause for the usage in space. Is 18gigs ok for awhile. Any new Programs I download I put on the external. Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks, Remoc

TimW · Dec 2, 2007

Could be time to flush your restore points ..they will add up and shrink hdd space ...but only do it if you know you are stable.

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