security/windows updates
 

I have a plethora of security/windows updates and xp hotfixes, which have already been applied.
can I safely delete these?

If you're referring to the Windows folders with names all starting with "$NTUninstall," those folder contain the files needed to uninstall various Windows updates.

If you're absolutely sure you don't need to uninstall any updates, yes, you can delete those folders.

If you're referring to deleting updates them through Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs, that will remove the update completely and Windows will just demand you reinstall them.