Aaaaargh! .NET again

[silverback]

After updating with Microsoft's 'critical' updates yesterday, my PC boot up time has virtually doubled. I've found that a service -
Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v4.0.30319_X86 - is sitting there with the service showing "STARTING". It does eventually start which allows the rest of the bootup items to start, but while it's in this 'starting' state, I can't do anything because it's preventing the networking stuff from starting.

Can I stop this service? I have no idea what it does apart from slowing things down.

Thanks
Silverback

[HansV]

I'd try uninstalling .NET Framework 4; I don't think you'll need it on Windows XP.

[silverback]

I'd try uninstalling .NET Framework 4; I don't think you'll need it on Windows XP.

You could be right - I've just had a look at the service and it's now stopped. I'll try uninstalling.
Are there any precautions I should take before uninstalling?

Thanks
Silverback

[HansV]

I'd set a restore point before doing so.