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
orChange/Remove.
you
wish
to
uninstall
and
click
either 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.