In this article I'll walk you through the entire procedure for backing up and removing SP2 and other Hotfix Uninstall files. Several folks with whom I've discussed this technique with mistakenly assumed that if you removed the SP2 Uninstall files, you would run into problems with Windows File Protection, which would no longer be able to do its job.
However, that's not the case. This folder is then used by Windows File Protection in the event that a crucial system file needs to be replaced. As such you'll need to be sure that you've enabled the Show Hidden Files and Folders option on the View tab of the Folder Options dialog box. At this point, you can investigate the folders and determine which ones you want to backup and then remove.
While you're doing so, you can find out how much disk space each Uninstall folder is occupying. To do so, right-click on any folder, select the Properties command, and check out the Size On Disk section on the General tab.
If there are a lot of Hotfix folders in the Windows folder and you want to be able to quickly determine which Hotfixes were installed prior to installing SP2 and which Hotfixes were installed after installing SP2, you can quickly and easily compile a text file listing of all the Hotfix folders sorted by date with a simple command line.
Here's how:. Load the file into Notepad for viewing and printing by typing the command: Notepad HotfixFolders.
This makes it a snap to determine which ones you want to backup and then remove. While the idea of trashing unnecessary clutter from your hard disk, on the surface sounds very appealing, when it comes right down to it and you're just about to perform the Delete operation, chances are that you'll get butterflies in your stomach and start second guessing the wisdom of such a move. As such, it's a good idea to make backup copies of the uninstall files.
That way, should you ever decide that you do want to uninstall SP2 or any of the Hotfixes, you can still do so by first restoring the Uninstall files. If you'll be saving backup copies on another hard disk or a network drive, you can use Copy and Paste or Drag and Drop. As you may have surmised, removing the SP2 and Hotfix Uninstall folders is a simple matter of deleting the folders.
Note: Make sure you have restarted your computer at least once after installing windows service pack 3 only then you can use system restore to uninstall service pack 3. This will start up the system restore to restore your computer to an earlier time and click Next. Click the date on or before which you had installed windows XP service pack 3 and then click Installed Window XP Service Pack 3 and the restore point box.
Follow the instructions in the upcoming wizard and remove sp3 from by restoring to the point created at the time of installation of service pack 3 for windows XP. So, how can I remove it from my system? Hi, I tried method 2 and I got a message saying that the location is unavailable and the information might be moved to a new location.
It prompts me to download Flash player. Even after downloading flasplayer it does not detect it and again prompts me to download flashplayer. None of the above works. I have had problems ever since upgrading to SP3. Should have never done it. I run Windows XP Professional. As such, you'll want to bypass the Recycle Bin and permanently delete them. To do so, select a folder and then press and hold down [Shift] as you click the Delete button.
The Add Or Remove Programs tool contains a check box at the top of the screen labeled Show Updates, that when selected, shows you all of the installed Hotfixes, thus allowing you to remove, or uninstall, the Hotfix. As such you'll want to eliminate them from the Add Or Remove Programs tool. Fortunately, doing so is a simple procedure. When the entry expands, click the Remove button. When you do you'll see an Uninstaller Error dialog box like the one shown in Figure A. As you can see, not only does this dialog box alert you to the fact that the operating system cannot remove Windows XP Service Pack 2, but it also prompt you to remove the entry from the Add Or Remove Programs tool's list.
To do so, simply click Yes. To remove the Hotfix entries from the Add Or Remove Programs tool, scroll down to the Windows XP Software Updates section, select a Hotfix entry that you want to eliminate, click the Remove button, and follow the steps outlined earlier.
If at a later date you decide that you want to uninstall SP2 or a particular Hotfix, all you have to do is restore the Uninstall folder to the Windows folder. Once you do so, just open the Uninstall folder, open the Spuninst folder, and double-click the Spuninst. Automatically sign up today! Greg Shultz is a freelance Technical Writer. Previously, he has worked as Documentation Specialist in the software industry, a Technical Support Specialist in educational industry, and a Technical Journalist in the computer publishing industry.
TechProGuild articles appearing on TechRepublic This article is from TechProGuild , TechRepublic's premium online brand dedicated to providing network administrators and support professionals with proven, real-world solutions to today's toughest IT problems.
Author's Note: Windows File Protection. Editor's Picks.
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