Hot Fixes

  • Thread starter Thread starter Vanessa
  • Start date Start date
V

Vanessa

What is a HotFix? Are they helpful or harmful? How do
they get on my computer in the Add/Remove Programs file?
 
Hi Vanessa,

They are from visits to Windows Update.

The hotfixes you see in the Control Panel/Add & Remove are a method of
uninstalling incompatible updates. Do not uninstall them unless you are
having problems with a particular update.

If you set folder options/view tab to see hidden and operating system files,
you will find corresponding $NtUninstallQxxxxxx$ folders in the \Windows
folder for each update. They hold the uninstall information for each hotfix.
If you are not going to uninstall any particular update, you can safely
delete the uninstall folder. Then go to Add & Remove and select the hotfix
for removal. You will get an error message followed by an offer to remove
the hotfix from the listings. It is not necessary to do this, I mention it
only as an option. I usually leave each hotfix alone for at least a month.

MVP Doug Knox has developed an easy method to automate this series of steps.
See WinXP Utilities on www.dougknox.com "Remove hotfix backup files".

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Hi Vanessa, Hot Fixes are from Windows Update.
You can visit the update site from IE, Tools, and select Windows update or
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];306525
HOW TO: Configure and Use Automatic Updates in Windows XP

Updates that can be removed if they cause problems are added to the Add/Remove
section. Not all updates are removable.

You should install the critical updates, they assist in protecting your
computer.

Kaylene
 
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