I have a list of 13 "windows XP hotfix" in my add/remove section of the control window.
From what I can gather they are related to SP1 or SP2 - can they be removed safely?
I have not installed SP2 and do not intend to.
Also, my computer has been running very slowly lately. Could this be why?

Never seen something like that try Google it you will find it

But here's a better thing to do restore your PC to an early time that your PC worked fine

Hello, if your computer is running relatively slow, it may be because of System registry and other bug related issues. The best way to clean and make your computer perform better is by running these programs

Search for these programs in Google (http://www.google.com)
1.registry mechanic
2.ccleaner

For your uninstall problems
Try searching for
1.Advanced Uninstaller Pro 2006
Or
2.Ashampoo UnInstaller Platinum 2.5

Hope this helps your

I have not installed SP2 and do not intend to.

I have to ask why?

SP2 is now mature and has had the bugs worked out.
The installation of SP2 will help your machine run better as well as improving your security.

One of the main things you should do is ensure that your machine is fully patched with the latest updates and drivers. This will ensure your security and efficiency.

A slow running machine is normally down to incomplete maintenance routine.
As a windoze box gets older it gets slower, this is called Windoze Cludge.
It's easy to fix with regular maintenance.

Here's some maintenance steps to be going on with.

General system maintenance includes:
Defrag
FULL patching
Virus scanning
Spyware scanning
Removal of rubbish files

Defrag is an inbuilt function in XP.
OPen My Computer > Right click C: > Tools Tab and it's there.

To make sure everything is running fine run both anti virus and anti spyware apps in normal AND safe modes. (make sure that they are updated first ! ;)) (AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1) is good and free AV)
(A couple of good removal tools are Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org/) and Adaware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/))

ALso an on line virus and spyware scanner is Trend Housecall (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/)

Just a note; actively running two AV's on one machine can cause problems.
So if you are thinking about it make sure your current one is disabled first.
SAme thing applies to online scanners as well.

Removal of junk files is easy with CCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com) a free app that does exactly what you neeed.

Those hotfixes are Windows Updates you have done in the past. Leave them alone. And I agree with Ben that SP2 is a necessary and safe upgrade.

I've got a lot to learn - thanks for all your help.
I have used CCleaner (more compatible with Firefox) & I was able to clean out a lot of junk.
I'm still on the fence with downloading SP2.

I did find another problem when I re-booted though - I had a blank screen & I had to re-boot again - so far so good. Thanks again!

I was having the same slow computer problems, so I downloaded sp2 and it runs so much better.