Some pointers when uninstalling applications

patwa_2

Hello.

This post is designed to serve as a guide to help those encountering problems whilst uninstalling applications from their computer, either after having trialled them or simply because they are no longer needed.

Usually, an application uninstalled either from its Start Menu > Programs shortcut menu option or from within the Control Panel > Add/Remove Pfrograms applet will complete without problems, uninstalling completely and leaving no visible traces of its former existance. However, sometimes the process may not complete quite so smoothly, or at all.

Error Message upon attempting to uninstall.
Sometimes, either by accident or through another program's neglegence (e.g some system cleaners), files, even temporary files, needed to uninstall the application have been deleted or corrupted, thus preventing the uninstall from taking place or completing. In this case, usually re-installing the application on top of the original will resolve the problem, by replacing any needed files with their originals. This sometimes, but very rarely results in two copies of the program residing on your system, but this does not normally happen if installing to the same location. DO NOTE ATTEMPT TO MANUALLY UNINSTALL, unless you have specific instructions on which files/registry entries to remove. Simply deleting the program's directory on your hard drive will result in many, many broken links both in the registry, and between other files on your drive. Remember, a program typically is not just confined to its installed directory, but has other related files and links to the operating system's installation directories as well.

Dependency Errors
Sometimes, an application uninstallation will be prevented due to other applications being present on your hard drive that require said application. These must be uninstalled first first. An example of this is Symantec's LiveReg utility, which can only be uninstalled after all other Symantec products have been removed. This constraint is often placed by manufacturers to prevent application breakdown or licensing circumvention.

These are the two main problems that can occur during application uninstallation. I hope the post proves useful and may help eliviate some of the hassle that may accompany trying to free up space on your computer.

Hussein.

startrekker

Nationwide CC: £2001.85 (and increasing by £143.50 per week)
shouldnt this be under investigation too?

patwa_2

Hi, it's running taxi costs. I'm re-imbursed for it post-payment, but the debt still runs up until its recovered.

Sorry tat this was off-topic.