Uninstalling an MSP (Microsoft Software Patch) file involves removing the specific update or patch that the MSP file installed on your system. You don't directly "uninstall" the .msp file itself, but rather the software update it applied.
Understanding MSP Files
An MSP file is a Windows Installer patch package used to apply updates, service packs, or hotfixes to software installed via Microsoft Installer (MSI) packages. These patches modify existing installed programs by replacing files, updating registry entries, or altering other components.
Steps to Uninstall an MSP Update
To remove an update installed by an MSP file, you will typically use the Windows Control Panel to access the list of installed updates.
1. Locate the Installed Update
The first step is to find the specific update on your computer that corresponds to the MSP file you wish to uninstall.
- Open Control Panel:
- In Windows 10/11: Right-click the Start button and select Control Panel or type "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and open it.
- In older Windows versions: Click the Start button and select Control Panel.
- Navigate to Programs and Features:
- In the Control Panel, click on Programs and then Programs and Features. If your Control Panel is in icon view, simply click Programs and Features.
- View Installed Updates:
- On the left-hand side of the "Programs and Features" window, click on View installed updates. This will display a list of all updates, hotfixes, and service packs installed on your system.
- Identify the Update:
- Browse through the list to find the specific update. You might need to look for the software name (e.g., Microsoft Office, a specific application) and then the patch number (often a KB number, e.g., KB1234567) or a descriptive name related to the MSP.
2. Perform the Uninstallation
Once you have located the update, the uninstallation process is straightforward:
- Right-click the Update: Find the desired update in the list, right-click on it.
- Select Uninstall: From the context menu that appears, choose Uninstall.
- Confirm Uninstallation: You may be prompted to confirm your decision or provide administrator permissions. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
What Happens After Uninstallation?
As stated in the reference, "Once the MSP has been uninstalled, you'll revert back to whichever version of Professional you were using before you installed the MSP." This means your software will return to its previous state prior to that specific patch being applied.
Quick Uninstallation Guide
Here's a summarized guide for quickly uninstalling an MSP-applied update:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Control Panel. |
| 2 | Go to Programs and Features. |
| 3 | Click View installed updates on the left pane. |
| 4 | Locate the specific update you wish to remove. |
| 5 | Right-click the update and select Uninstall. |
| 6 | Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm. |
It's important to ensure you uninstall the correct update, as removing system-critical patches could potentially affect system stability or software functionality. If you are unsure, consult the software vendor's support resources.
