Update files (folders) in the Windows folder

Question

Running WinXP.  In my Windows folder I have 41 'hidden folders (sort of)' that are all related, apparently, to some past XP patch!  The folders all start with a $ and look like:   $MSI31Uninstall_KB89xxxxx (a series of numbers) $hf_mig$ etc.   All the patches, service packs, etc., that have been installed work, and some of these take up a lot of space.  Is it okay to blow them away? Message Edited by Bob11 on 07-27-2005 07:52 PM

Augie65 · Answer

If you know that you will not need to uninstall the update, just delete them. I have deleted these on my computer. Message Edited by Augie65 on 07-23-2005 08:40 PM

redwolfe_98 · Answer

i deleted the one for uninstalling win xpsp2 that was about 270 mgs.. that is the only one that i deleted..

another place where i delete files from is "C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download".. i don't delete the "download" folder, there, just the contents of the folder.. you can also delete files from the c/windows/temp folder.. (not the folder, just the contents of the folder)

i also use a program called "supercleaner", from "south bay software" to remove junk files.. i don't know if windows is designed to eventually remove junk files, or not..

if you are looking for a free program to remove junk files, you could try "crapcleaner".. i use it and it has not caused any problems for me, but some people say that it has caused problems for them..

http://www.southbaypc.com/SuperCleaner/

http://www.ccleaner.com/

there is another popular free program for removing junk files, "cleanup!", but it did cause problems for me..

http://www.stevengould.org/software/cleanup/

Message Edited by redwolfe_98 on 07-28-2005 04:57 AM

bpa64 · Answer

Careful what you delete.  Under 'C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution' never delete the directory 'DataStore' or the file 'DataStore.edb'.  This file contains the history of what was installed/failed/hidden via Windows Update.

Bob11 · Answer

Thanks for the replies.  So I take it WindowsUpdate does NOT look at any of these files to see what has, and what hasn't, been updated.  I assume it's looking as some registry or .db file?  So, based on the responses I'm going to go ahead and blow all this junk away.  Again, thanks!

Windows General

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