Security Updates

My Windows XP has 182 microsoft security updates going back 3 years. Do I need all of them? How do I know which are "safe" to delete?

All security updates should be always installed.
Why did you wait 3 years to ask this kind of question?

How do I know which are "safe" to delete?

Hi wolfe12345 -
It is usually not safe to remove many Microsoft security updates as they have been patches to your XP system or I.E browser -
M/$oft must keep patching these items as they get outdated or spyware finds ways to around the older built in security systems -
This is like updating your Antivirus and Antimalware programs every few days to keep the new infections out -

Thanks -

<<It is usually not safe to remove many Microsoft security updates...>>

I would amend that to "any" security updates.

Security updates are issued to address known vulnerabilities in Windows. Removing any of them...logically results in a system that is more vulnerable to malware. Of course, this does not apply to updates which are superceded by later Microsoft updates...which replace or remove prior updates...as part of the update process.

No user should ever take on herself/himself to remove security updates installed.

Louis

I believe what noknojon is alluding to are updates such as Net. Framework which will not always apply to all users as it applies to specific applications that may or may not be installed on a computer.

My Windows XP has 182 microsoft security updates going back 3 years. Do I need all of them? How do I know which are "safe" to delete?

Are you talking about the updates themselves or the installation files in your Windows folder and the entries in ADD/REMOVE?

Thank you dc3 -
You explained the item more fully - I meant most items should stay, but Security Update items Always stay -
M/soft will download tweaks also at times that do not apply to all users, but always install Security Items -

Thanks -

Edited by noknojon, 17 January 2011 - 04:24 PM.