how to get rid of windows automatic update downloads?

[sparky77]

Hi...

Windows XP has done an automatic download for the most recent updates, but not installed them to my computer. I'm wondering if i can delete those downloaded files (where do i find them) as there are a couple there that i don't think i need or want, especially the sp3 for office xp - when i'm running office 2003.... and they are just cluttering up my hard drive.

I've changed the automatic update preferences to "just notify me when updates are available" so this shouldn't happen again, but... in the meantime - how do i get rid of the files that have already been downloaded?

thanks in advance...
sparky

btw ... great site :)

[andyman]

they should be in Add and Remove programs from the control panel

[sparky77]

Hey Dan, i haven't INSTALLED them yet... they have just been downloaded to my computer and are ready to install. I don't want to install them... just get rid of the downloaded files. That must be possible huh?

[sparky77]

I have located the folder where they've been downloaded to... C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download - the three folders there are the same size as the ones that the automatic update is telling me... AND the date is today... so that must be them.
Can i just go ahead and delete these folders? - Without screwing anything up?

thanks

[andyman]

you can delete them .. they will be created again if you download them next time

[sparky77]

Thanks Andy! What a pain these things are sometimes!!