Installing Software

  1. Prepare for installing:
    1. There's always a risk that something will go horribly wrong when you install, uninstall or update software. Back up everything you don't want to risk losing before you install a program. You have to decide what that is. I make sure that I have recently backed up my whole system with a disk image before I install programs.
    2. If you downloaded the software, check the file for any pestilence before you use it. There's not much risk of getting a virus, worm or Trojan from "boxed" commercial software.
  2. Get your system ready:
    1. Close any programs you have open. The easy way to do this is to "logoff" your computer. Just log back on to the same account when Windows asks. (Don't enter a password if you usually don't use one.)
      You can also use Task Manager -- Ctrl+Alt+Delete -- to close running programs or you can do a clean start so that you have no unwanted programs running.
    2. Disable any antivirus autoprotect processes that you have running.
    3. Optional, but strongly suggested: Run System File Checker to set a clean starting point. [Click Start > Run > type sfc]
    4. Alternatively, if you're running Windows XP, set a system checkpoint.
  3. You may need to uninstall the old program first:
    1. If you are upgrading a program to another version, or hope to solve a problem by reinstalling a program, it's usually best to uninstall the old program first. Sometimes you get instructions with the software that tell you whether you should or not. If so, follow them. Otherwise I'd recommend you install the old program first.
    2. Click Start > Settings > Control panel > Add/Remove Programs > scroll down the list until you find the old program. Click Add/Remove and answer OK.
    3. Reboot your computer after you've unstalled the program. Windows can't delete or replace some files that need to be changed except during startup.
  4. Install the program/software:
    1. Read everything carefully in each dialog box as the process goes along. Respond appropriately.
    2. Don't just ignore alert messages during the installation.
    3. Restart your computer if you are notified that it's needed to complete the installation. Windows can't delete or replace some files that need to be changed except during startup.
  5. Advanced: Run System File Checker again to see if anything bad happened during the installation. [Windows 98: Click Start > Run > type "sfc"] [Windows XP: Open a command prompt and type "sfc"If there are any potential problems, a dialog box will open. It's usually safe to ignore or update the system information if the version # of the new file is higher, even though the date of the old file is later. For example, it's OK if version 3.8.8033 has replaced 3.8.7288, no matter what dates are shown.
  6. Keep a permanent record of the action you've taken (for example -- Installed "Avenger" - version 3.0 on 7/4/2002, along with any relevant notes or observations).
  7. Precaution: Before you install any more software, restart your computer -- even if you do not get a notice that you "Need to restart your computer."

Ctrl+Alt+Delete ^top^

Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (This means press and hold down the first two keys and then press the Delete key for an instant. Often called the 3-fingered salute in deference to Bill Gates.

In the Close Program dialog box, click the program that you want to close, and then click End Task. "AnswersThatWork" has a comprehensive list of programs to guide you in which programs to start.

Backup ^top^

Before you install, uninstall or update any software, make sure you have a current backup of at least your critical documents and data. You can't afford to lose that. It's more likely that something will happen to your system (Windows mostly) though. It's a good idea to back your system up as well. The Windows XP System Restore function is an adequate alternative. It can take you back to a point before the time when the installation went bad.

Alert messages during installation ^top^

A message may pop up during the installation process: "File being copied is older than the current file". Programs often use files in the Windows folders that are also used by other applications. When you get that message you should take precautionary action. Make a copy of the file that is about to be replaced -- and save it in a convenient folder. [Use Windows Explorer to make the copy. Hold down the Windows key (between Ctrl & Alt) and press the E key to open WE.)] Close WE and proceed with the installation. Later, if you find that something does not work, you can replace the older file with the copyyou made of the newer one..

Installation log ^top^

A log of each program you install or uninstall can be invaluable if you run into a problem. You can easily create a Log file that automatically enters the date each time you open it. Open Notepad and create a text file with the single line ".LOG" (Without the quotes.) Be sure to include the lead off period. Close and save the file. Now when you open it, you will see the current date. You can then complete your log entry. Put a shortcut for the file somewhere where you can easily find it when you need it -- on the desktop for example.