This is not a problem, nor is hidden, nor are service packs. These are
updates, patches, etc.
More information:
Some of the Hotfixes (Mostly security updates) do not have an uninstall
feature, these will not appear in the Add and Remove list. If a Hotfix does
appear in the Add and Remove list then it can be uninstalled just like any
other program.
If you uninstall the Hotfix, you will lose the benefits of that patch. This
should only be done if you can determine that you are experiencing negative
effects from the particular Hotfix.
If you simply do not want them to appear in the Add and Remove list and you
are sure that you will not need the uninstall option, you can remove items
from that list by using a registry tweak.
Automated Edit:
Remove Hotfixes from Add or Remove (Line 193)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Manual Edit: Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall
Expand this branch and look at the list. The Hotfixes are all listed by a
"Q" number that corresponds to the entry in the Add and Remove list. Make
sure that you back up each Key before deleting it.
Select the key and then select File/Export and include the Q number in the
name of the file. Right click the entries you want to remove and select
Delete.
L. Bryan said:
My pc hard drive was replaced and came with seven service packs installed
with seven folders named with approx. 20 random numbers and letters. I can
not change the folders to be hidden, nor move the service pack files. They
are in the beginning of the C drive folder listing causing confusion when
trying to find the several folders used daily. XP Home with all the
upgrades installed up to 3/13/04.
