Question:
Funny directory like "$NtUninstallKB885836$" "$NtUninstallKB888111WXPSP2$" in my c:\windows directory
Harley
2007-01-26 02:00:45 UTC
I have lots of such weird directories inside my c:\windows directory. Are these critical ? Can I delete them ?
Thanks for the help!
Four answers:
nyc_1oo14
2007-01-26 02:18:17 UTC
It's up to you if you want to delete them, but read on to get a better understanding of what this may mean.



They are uninstall files for an upgrade to your version of XP. After XP came out in 2001, Microsoft needed to update the bugs and security holes in the software. They did this a little bit by little bit, but eventually grouped them all together in what they called "Service Pack 1." New versions of XP shipped to stores as discs and installed on PCs and laptops had this newer version. So, now there were two versions of XP: XP original and XP Service Pack 1.



People who had XP original were able to download the patch of Service Pack 1 and install it. Now, they were at the newer version.



However, just in case the update didn't work and if the customer wanted to uninstall the service pack, Microsoft kept a folder for the uninstall files.



In your case, you had XP Service Pack 1 and somewhere along the way, you got Service Pack 2, so your uninstall files say WXPSP2, which stands for Windows XP Service Pack 2.



If you've had this version of XP for a very long time, and feel that there are no glitches related to the upgrade itself, you can delete them.



If you've recently upgraded, I'd give it time before deleting them.



But, you can, generally speaking, safely delete them. Most people never downgrade their operating system. The whole point of updates is to make it better and more secure and downgrading will just make you more vulnerable to threats.



Incidentally, Microsoft isn't even supporting systems with XP SP1 anymore.



There's no harm at all in keeping the files, by the way.



So, it's up to you.
emad
2007-01-26 10:09:19 UTC
These are not funny directories... ;) . Actually these directories contain uninstall information of windows updates and windows xp service pack2. The purpose of these directories is to help you at the time of uninstalling these updates.

However, you can delete these directories as there is no harm. I have rarely seen a person uninstalling windows updated files.
STING
2007-01-26 10:08:51 UTC
hi

the files that you have mentioned are critical files

don't play with your c:\.

the files you said are system files and or updates necessary for your system working.

messing up with those files will get you into trouble.



:)



Be careful!
pass by my eyes
2007-01-26 10:31:05 UTC
yes ,you can.

these are the temp files when your system update.

$***$ is the sign of temp files

when your system update finished, this files would be not usaful more,or you want delect the update.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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