/ Deleting Microsoft Updates

Deleting Microsoft Updates

Up to what date can I erase Windows Internet Explorer 7 Software Updates and Hotfixes for Internet Explorer 7 and Windows XP? Kate Dubensky

Removing Updates and Hotfixes from IE 7 and XP

Without knowing what each of the updates are, it is a little tricky to know for sure what the result of deleting them will be. One way to test the significance of the updates is to move them to the Recycle Bin but don’t empty the contents, then check how the program is working. If there are negative consequences, you can restore the fixes. Generally speaking, the updates for IE 7 and XP can be dealt with the following ways.

Remove IE 7 Updates and Hotfixes

As far as the Internet Explorer updates go, you can delete all the updates and hotfixes, uninstall IE 7, then download and install either a fresh version of IE 7 or a new version of IE 8. This seems to me the most effective way to clean up the system and streamline your programs. You should complete this step before updating your operating system Service Packs.

Start > Run > Open box type appwiz.cpl then OK > Choose IE7 > Remove
Remove all updates and hotfixes and reboot computer
Reinstall Internet Explorer 7 or 8

Remove XP Hotfixes and Install Service Packs

For the Windows XP hotfixes - you can have your operating system remove them automatically by installing the latest Service Packs as they are rolled in there. Before you do, you should do a little system cleanup to prepare for the updates.

Run Virus and Malware scans - make sure your system is clean
Defrag your drives

My Computer > Choose Volume > Properties > Tools > Defragment Now > Defragment

Remove Temporary Internet Files

Start > Control Panel > Internet Options > General > Delete Files > Delete All Offline Content

Now you can visit Windows Updates and install the latest Service Packs - for XP there are currently three. This should automatically delete the old hotfixes and replace them with the Service Pack updates. The updates are important for your system’s performance and compatibility, but running them as Service Packs should reduce the clutter and make them easier to handle.