Outline of the process -- use the links to get details...
- Prepare for uninstalling: 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.
- Get your system ready:
- Close any programs you have open. [Use Ctrl+Alt+Delete or do a clean start with no unwanted programs running.]
- Optional, but strongly suggested: Run System
File Checker to set a clean starting point.
[Click Start > Run > type sfc]
- Alternatively, if you're running Windows
XP, set a system checkpoint.
- Uninstall the program:
- Click Start > Settings > Control panel
> Add/Remove Programs > scroll down
the list until you find the program. Click
Add/Remove and answer OK.
- It's a good idea to reboot your computer
after you've uninstalled the program. Windows can't delete or replace some files
that need to be changed except during startup.
- Keep a permanent record of the action you've taken (for example
-- Uninstalled "Galaxy" - version
2.0 on 7/4/2002, along with any relevant
notes or observations).
- Before you install any new software, always
restart your computer -- even if you did
not get a notice that you "Need to restart
your computer."
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.
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.
System File Checker ^Top^
Whenever you download and install new software
and application updates, there's always a
chance that a file that is working OK will
be replaced by a file that doesn't work in
your system. The System File Checker can
help you detect and correct those changes.
It's challenging for a new user to use however.
A log of each program you 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.
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