Install and Remove Programs Properly

File Management, User Care and Common Sense (continued...)

Learn to Install and Remove Programs Properly

Installation of programs has become fairly straightforward. However, some people do still think they can grab a program from their friend's computer simply by copying all the files in the program's directory to a directory on their hard drive.

I will admit, if its an old DOS program, that may be possible. But newer programs have become a lot more complicated than that. They still have their own directory, but usually spread their files amongst other directories as well, such as the root directory, 'Windows' and 'Windows/System' directory. Not only that, but they often make changes to configuration files such as CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI and the Registry. Always install programs from the original installation disks.

Removing a program is best done by using the uninstall program associated with it. If you can't find it in the 'Add/Remove Programs' utility in Control Panel, then the next place to look is in the application's folder on the Start Menu. If there isn't one there, you may have to use Windows Explorer to find the program's folder and look there for the uninstall program. You can start it by double-clicking the file.

Another very good way to remove a program, and the files and configuration entries associated with it, is by using an uninstallation program such as CleanSweep or Uninstaller.

If you can't use any of the above, then you may have to resort to removing the program manually. Take a look at the Tips and Tricks section of last month's NewsLetter.

(continued... Next - Leave 25% of your Hard Drive free)

Return to January's Title Page