How to Remove IMovie From Mac OS Panther

The Apple application iMovie brought quality video creation and editing to the Mac-using masses with its first version. Over the years, the iMovie program has grown in both sophistication and complexity, although it is still one of the easiest ways to create high-quality, even hi-def videos on your Mac OS Panther computer. Still, it can become corrupted and refuse to run or be upgraded, requiring that you remove and replace it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Remove iMovie from Mac OS Panther

1. Locate iMovie (some versions are named "iMovie HD"), which should be in the "Applications" folder unless you deliberately moved it from some reason (which Apple does not recommend).

2. Highlight the iMovie application in the "Applications" folder with a single click.

3. Delete the application with your preferred method, by dragging it manually to the "Trash," right- or Control-clicking on it and selecting "Move to Trash" or using the keyboard (Cmd-Delete).

4. Empty the "Trash" by selecting "Empty Trash" from the "Finder" menu or right-click (Control-click) on the "Trash" icon in the "Dock" and select "Empty Trash" from the pop-up window (it will be the only option).

5. Consider deleting preference files if removing and reinstalling iMovie does not solve the issues that prompted its removal. These are located in certain sub-folders within the "Library" folders on your Mac, but if you are not familiar with these locations you should consult the Apple support page for iMovies (see Resources below).

6. Consult the Apple support page for iMovie should you encounter any unforeseen difficulties following your decision to remove and replace the software (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• There is nothing in the "Movies" folder that you need to delete in order to uninstall iMovie. This is where your finished and unfinished iMovie projects are stored, so do not throw anything away unless it is your intent to delete your iMovie creations, too.
• Whenever installing or uninstalling an application, have nothing running except "Finder."
• Never attempt to uninstall an application with it running, with Mac OS Panther or any other version of the OS.
• If you are going to reinstall the same or a newer version of iMovie after your remove the current one, make sure your system supports the newer version by checking the Apple support page for iMovie.
• Also, prior to installing this (or any) software, run "DiskUtility" to ensure there are no problems with your hard drive.

Resources

• Apple support page for iMovie