Delete Uninstall Files for Win 7 Updates

[marsmimar]

Hi -

Still trying to get a handle on my Win 7 Pro after switching from XP Pro. In XP I was able to open the Add/Remove Programs screen and the C:\Windows folder and put them side by side. In the folder screen I selected Tools > Folder Options > View tab > Show Hidden Files and Folders. When I closed this dialog box I would see faint folders with their names in blue letters (like $NtUninstallKBxxxxxx$).

After deleting the uninstall file I would go to the Add/Remove screen, click on the corresponding update and then click Remove. I'd get a prompt that the uninstall file could not be located and did I wish to remove the program from the list of currently installed programs. Over the years I was able to free up about 1GB of hard drive space in XP.

Can the uninstall files for Win 7 updates be removed in a similar way? I can't even locate any of these files by doing a general search for $NtUninstall*$. If I missed a tutorial on this, or if this is the wrong place to post my question, I apologize. Thanks for your time and help.

 

[brianzion]

hi try this link to a great uninstaller gets rid of everything associated to the application better than the lame windows one i use it all the time with no problems and its free the write ups are a+ too
Revo Uninstaller Pro - Uninstall Software, Remove Programs, Solve uninstall problems

 

[Flavius]

hi try this link to a great uninstaller gets rid of everything associated to the application better than the lame windows one i use it all the time with no problems and its free the write ups are a+ too
Revo Uninstaller Pro - Uninstall Software, Remove Programs, Solve uninstall problems

This soft is not applicable for updates for Windows.

@marsmimar

You must realize Win 7 is completely different system and all updates backup are stored somewhere in C:\Winodows\WinSxS,but there is no option to clear unused backups,probably (like for Vista) will be only such kind of ability for service packs in future (I think).The only thing what you can do it's empty C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder -this folder store downloaded updates.There is no option empty updates from "View installed updates" too.

 

[Bill2]

As Flavius said, the Windows 7 ones are kept in the winsxs folder. Dont go about deleting them though, the system heavily relies on them. It keeps the older versions to keep application compatibility. Heres an illuminating read on the WinSxS folder.

The Secret Of Windows 7 / Vista Winsxs Folder.

 

[marsmimar]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I bypassed Vista and went directly to Win 7 from XP so this is a whole new learning process for me.

@ Bill2 -

Illuminating ain't the word for it. It was downright blinding!!

 

[Tepid]

Just a friendly note, try to keep in mind that Win 7 is not Win XP and should not be viewed the same. They are completely different beasts. People will run into the most trouble if they try to treat 7 like XP and do all the same stuff and tweaks. For the most part, Win 7 doesn't need that much or any tweaking other than cosmetic purposes.

I have 7 installed on 3 PC's now, and none of them are tweaked other than minor cosmetic changes and even those are more along the lines of Themes and Gadgets and some helpper ware (so to speak).

(ie. ultramon (for dual monitors [tv and laptop/desktop], desktop icon position savers, and some powertoys like CMD Prompt Here and Takeown)

So on a system like yours, just my opinion, you are better off not doing anything other than using the system as is.

one added note.... Honestly, if ones OS drive is running out of space, it's time to clean up junk files as normal maintenance requires and uninstall unnecessary software or,,,,,,

get a bigger hard drive. But leave the OS alone.

 

[CarlTR6]

As Flavius said, the Windows 7 ones are kept in the winsxs folder. Dont go about deleting them though, the system heavily relies on them. It keeps the older versions to keep application compatibility. Heres an illuminating read on the WinSxS folder.

The Secret Of Windows 7 / Vista Winsxs Folder.

Very good information. Thanks for the link. I learned.

Just a friendly note, try to keep in mind that Win 7 is not Win XP and should not be viewed the same. They are completely different beasts. People will run into the most trouble if they try to treat 7 like XP and do all the same stuff and tweaks. For the most part, Win 7 doesn't need that much or any tweaking other than cosmetic purposes.

I have 7 installed on 3 PC's now, and none of them are tweaked other than minor cosmetic changes and even those are more along the lines of Themes and Gadgets and some helpper ware (so to speak).

(ie. ultramon (for dual monitors [tv and laptop/desktop], desktop icon position savers, and some powertoys like CMD Prompt Here and Takeown)

So on a system like yours, just my opinion, you are better off not doing anything other than using the system as is.

Well said. You hit the nail on the head.

 

[celldweller1591]

nice thread. thanks for the info !

 

[brianzion]

yeah i agree just leave the system to do its work i think we all get a bit worried how much data is stored on our machines but when it comes down to system files best leave them alone hard drives are better now and can store so much data, the other option is to use external ones to store most data and leave the machines hard drive for all the system files.