many hidden "Uninstall" folders in Windows

[paul5]

I have discovered 22 hidden Uninstall folders in the Windows folder. They all start with $NtUninstall (various alpha/numeric)$. They total over 50 MB. What are these please? Any harm in erasing them from the system?

Also, if a potentially harmful file (not a virus) is deleted to the Recycle Bin, is it still potentially harmful, e.g. a huge log file that cannot be erased.
Thank You

 

[simplejohn]

Hey paul5

This folder are usually contain information and files required to
uninstall programs that are currently installed on your machine.
if you erase them, you won't be able in the future to uninstall
those programs in a normal way.

John

 

[lister]

These are the uninstall files for windows updates, deleting them will remove the ability to uninstall the updates.
If XP is running fine, and If your sure you don't need to uninstall them - you can delete them (you could always stick them on a CD first).

DO NOT DELETE the folder '$hf_mig$' if you have SP2 installed or any service pack for that matter.

Note: leave the latest update files on until you have used your PC for a while and you're sure you don't need to uninstall an update.

If you try to run the uninstaller from add/remove programs afterwards, then it should detect that the files have been removed and remove the add/remove programs entry as well.
Alternatively you could run Ccleaner afterwards and delete the entry in the uninstall programs tab (under Tools)

 

[paul5]

Thanks to all who responded. I am much better informed.