Temp Download files

I have recently went through several xp computers doing all of my updates. Is
there a folder or temp folder where all of the downloaded files are stored
when they are installled that is no longer needed after they have been
downloaded and installed. If they are not needed and will not affect any of
my updates where are they located so i can delete them to clear up space.

Also I have noticed in windows explorer, my computer, local drive c:,
windows directories for the first 109 folders they all have the simaler
folder name "$NtUninstallKB873339_0$" with a sub folder "spuninst", they are
all in blue unlike any other folder that is black. Also the very first one is
named "$hf_mig$" with no sub folder. All of these folders have several files
in them. Are these needed for anything are can they be deleted as well with
no harm to the computer and operation of any software. Thanks

Answers inline:

Troy wrote:

> I have recently went through several xp computers doing all of my updates. Is
> there a folder or temp folder where all of the downloaded files are stored
> when they are installled that is no longer needed after they have been
> downloaded and installed. If they are not needed and will not affect any of
> my updates where are they located so i can delete them to clear up space.

The files are expanded to a temporary location and then deleted. They
are stored in WINDOWS\Software Distribution\Downloads. Those files are
removed via a cycling mechanism in the registry.
If you can't wait for them to cycle off of the system, then delete
what's inside of Downloads.


> Also I have noticed in windows explorer, my computer, local drive c:,
> windows directories for the first 109 folders they all have the simaler
> folder name "$NtUninstallKB873339_0$" with a sub folder "spuninst", they are
> all in blue unlike any other folder that is black. Also the very first one is
> named "$hf_mig$" with no sub folder. All of these folders have several files
> in them. Are these needed for anything are can they be deleted as well with
> no harm to the computer and operation of any software. Thanks

The $NtUninstallKBxxxxxx$ folders may be deleted once it's determined
that there are no issues with the installed updates. These are the
uninstall folders which contain backups of the files that were replaced.
To remove the corresponding updates from Add/Remove Programs, read this:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm

NOTE: This does *not* remove the update from the system. It only removes
the uninstall information and backed up files.

The $hf_mig$ folder contains folders which contain files that are
related to QFE and GDR:
Qfecheck.exe verifies the installation of Windows 2000 and Windows XP
hotfixes
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/282784

For more information on GDR, go here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824994
Look under the " More Information " heading. It's too convoluted and
long to post here.
Suggest leaving $hf_mig$ alone.

You can also, if desired, delete the KBxxxxxx.logs located in %windir%
for those updates for which you have removed the uninstall files
($NtUninstallKBxxxxxx$) and their corresponding entries in Add/Remove
Programs.

More info on the Update process is available here:

The Package Installer (Formerly Called Update.exe) for Microsoft Windows
Operating Systems and Windows Components
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../winupdte.mspx


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2006]
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*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
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