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Removing software tips on how to uninstall programs properly
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Removing Software - Tips on How to Uninstall Programs Properly
Computer clutter is a serious issue for many users nowadays with the advent of
easily available, safe freeware for every possible computer purpose. All of that
opportunity can add up to a seriously slow computing experience - and that's when
it's time to start uninstalling programs. Here is a step by step guide to "kicking out
the grams", removing software that you no longer want on your computer.
Nowadays there are literally thousands of programs available for free, or at very
little cost nowadays. They all make it quite easy for you to put them on your
computer, using plain English install wizards that self-load. However, when you’re
facing serious computer clutter (or just want to get something off your computer for
a change!), it isn’t always so simple. Here we give you a rundown on uninstalling
programs from your computer, from easy to remove software to more stubborn
cases. All these will definitely help you speed up computer performance.
First method: Use Windows Uninstall Wizard
If you are using Windows XP:
Go to Start -> Control Panel, and Add/Remove Programs.
Wait for the list to load.
Select a program you wish to uninstall and click either Remove,
orChange/Remove.
Follow instructions that will appear on the screen. They will differ according to
the program that you are trying to uninstall. If you are prompted to confirm
removal of the program, click Yes or OK.
If you are using Windows Vista:
Go to Start -> Control Panel, and click Uninstall a program (if you are using the
Classic View of the Control Panel, then double-click on the Programs and
Features icon instead).
Wait for the list to load.
Click on the program in question, and click the Uninstall button from above the
list, or right-click the program and then click Uninstall.
Second method: Use uninstaller that comes with the program
Most professionally created programs (whether they are supplied as freeware or not)
include an option to uninstall the program. Check the options created by the
program in your Start menu. Usually there is an uninstall option.
If you encounter problems uninstalling
There are lots of problems that you can encounter while uninstalling a program;
we'll try to cover some of the most common ones!
If the uninstaller runs, but the program remains on your computer
The uninstaller utility that came with the program may be corrupt. Try to install the
program again to hopefully repair any errors. If the program was downloaded, go
to the original website to see if there is a new version of the program that may fix
the problem. If there is, download and install it, and then either use the uninstall
feature in Windows, or the Uninstall option that comes with the program.
You cannot uninstall programs in Windows Vista
This problem occurs most often when XP users upgrade to Vista and keep their
programs - the installers and uninstallers might be incompatible with Vista. You can
use the following steps to manually remove software using the program's .msi
package in Windows Vista:
Click the Start button and then
type%windir%\Installer in the Start Search
box. The Installer folder should open.
Under View, click Details.
Right click on the Name column, and clickMore... from the bottom of the list.
Check the Subject box, and then type 340 in Width of Selected Columns.
Click OK.
Wait for the subjects to appear next to all the .msi files.
Double click the .msi file you want, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Your Microsoft Installation Engine is corrupted
You can do the following if Windows advises you that the Installer Package has a
problem:
Start the computer in Safe Mode by pressing F8 repeatedly after the BIOS info
displays.
Navigate to the Command Prompt, either through Accessories in Windows XP,
or by typing cmd.exe in the Start Search box in Vista.
Type msiexec/unregister and press Enter.
Type msiexec/regserver and press Enter.
Type exit, and press Enter - the Command Prompt will close.
Then use the Add/Remove Programs feature to uninstall the program.
Generic Manual Uninstalls
Only advanced computer users should do this! Be prepared to abort the process if
you encounter something unexpected. Here is how to manually uninstall
programs:
Delete the files and folders for the directory from your Program Manager.
Open regedit (type regedit in Start Search in Vista, or Search in XP). Go
toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE and find and delete the
application's folder.
Open regedit - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE and find and
delete the application's folder.
Open regedit and navigate
toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVer
sion\Uninstall, find and delete the applications folder to remove it
from Add/Remove programs list.
If your program has a service attached, go
toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services in regedit,
find and delete the service.
Go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs and delete
any associated files and folders.
Go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start
Menu\Programs\Startupand delete any associated files and folders.
Go to C:\Documents and Settings\%YourUserID%\Start Menu\Programsand
delete any associated files and folders.
Do this for every User ID on your computer - go to C:\Documents and
Settings\%YourUserID%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and delete
associated files and folders.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Windows and delete the entry associated.
Third Party Uninstallers
Windows Uninstall utility is useful in most cases, but includes little room for
program exceptions. If files are in use by another program, or are locked, you'll run
up against an error message. You don't necessarily have to muck around with the
registry or process manager to remove software in this case - a third-party solution
for removing software is sometimes safest. If you are doing a mass cull uninstalling
many programs at a time, these utilities greatly simplify the process. Here are some
uninstallers you might want to consider: Amigabit PowerBooster, Revo Uninstaller,
Your Uninstaller. Moreover, with Amigabit PowerBooster you will learn how to
speed up your computer in all possible aspects.