I have a number of weird Uninstall files showing under Windows in Windows Explorer. They show as BLUE in color and are NTUninstall file folders, even though I have XP as my OS. Example: file:///C:/WINDOWS/$MSI31Uninstall_KB893803$/ Can I simply delete these files or will I screw up my XP system if I do so? I have no idea how these got there, but I don't want them to clutter my system if not needed. My main problem with simply deleting them is that some of the files in these folders are Register Files (ex. reg00018). Please tell me what the heck these are and if I can get rid of them!! Thanks!

These are the remanants of your Windows Updates. Do you have any particular reason why you need to delete them? Can I simply delete these files or will I screw up my XP system if I do so? Yes it can cause your OS to stop functioning. Read THIS first then decide for yourself if it is worth deleting them. I still have several dozens but they're not bothering me or my baby. i_XpUser

How to Remove the Windows XP Uninstallation Files http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308008

Disregard my last.

I apologize for giving the wrong example. The files I'm asking about are NT files, not XP files. Here's a better example: file:///C:/WINDOWS/$NtUninstallKB817611$ I'm on an XP system so why should I have a whole group of Nt Uninstall files? Thus, my question is still, what would be the problem with deleting the 30-40, NT Uninstall files that just appeared under Windows??

I'm on an XP system so why should I have a whole group of Nt Uninstall files? Only M$ can give you a more authoritative answer. Thus, my question is still, what would be the problem with deleting the 30-40, NT Uninstall files that just appeared under Windows?? deleting windows xp $ntuninstall folders i_XpUser

When a Windows Update is installed, and you find that you have problems with your computer, you will not be able to remove that Update in Add/Remove Programs without the Uninstall file that the installation creates. For example-- If I install the IE 6 Security Update Q832894, I then find that all the Help Topics were gone in Windows HELP Index. All came back when I removed "Internet Explorer Q832894" from Add/Remove Programs list. ---------------- According to the following web page, you can delete them-- Tidying up after installing SP2 (ONLY Once you are sure you are happy with it)