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How can I undo a change made by Windows Update? Should I continue to install all the Critical Updates, even if I’m not sure I need them?

Generally, Windows Update should not harm your system. If you do notice problems after installing a Windows Update package, you can always uninstall a specific download, use Device Driver Roll Back to uninstall a specific driver, or use System Restore to return all system and application settings back to their previous state.

You should always install Critical Updates; they are vital to protect your computer from known security vulnerabilities.

To uninstall update packages

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and click Add or Remove Programs.
  2. Click Change or Remove Programs.
  3. Click the Update you wish to remove, and then click Change/Remove.

To roll back drivers

  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
  2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
  3. Double-click the device for which you want to restore the driver.
  4. Click the Driver tab, and then click Roll Back Driver.

To use System Restore

Click Start, click Help and Support, and then click Undo changes to your computer with System Restore.

For more information, in Windows XP, click Start, click Help and Support, and then type roll back driver or system restore.

Removing a Hotfix if Add/Remove doesn’t work:-

  1. Close any Open Windows or Programs
  2. Click Start, select Run
  3. Type or copy the following: %WINDIR%
  4. Locate the relevant $NtUninstallKB******$\spuninst
  5. Locate and double-click the file spuninst.exe. This will start the wizard.
  6. Click Next to scan, Yes, to confirm that you want to uninstall the update regardless of what other software it might affect.
  7. Allow it to finish

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