How to Uninstall a Windows Program Safely

When you install a program on a PC, it invariably includes ancillary files scattered through your Windows folder. To remove a program completely, use the Add/Remove Programs utility.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Windows

1. Check your documentation to see if the application has its own custom uninstall program, and use it if it's available.

2. If not, open the Start menu and select Settings, then Control Panel.

3. Double-click on Add/Remove Programs.

4. Find the program you want, then click Add/Remove.

5. In the box that appears, confirm to remove the program and click through the Wizard that follows.

6. Consider using a third-party utility, such as Clean Sweep or Norton Utilities, to uninstall remnants of programs from your system.

Tips & Warnings

• Usually the Add/Remove Pro-grams utility will alert you to the presence of shared programs and let you leave them on your system.
• Only delete an application folder as a last resort. The program could have added programs or files to additional folders. To be safe, rename the application folder and reboot your PC. If it restarts without a problem, delete the folder. If it does not, rename the folder with its original name and do not delete it.
• For Windows to uninstall an application with the Add/Remove Programs utility, you cannot have moved or deleted the directory that the application originally resided in.

[huangtianly211]

on 5/3/2009 I shoud just put the CD in the player and let it go

[melbe]

on 4/29/2009 someone please help me!!!i cannot log on or even start on my computer because i cant uninstall windows xp professional.someone thought they were upgrading for me and the registry keys dont work so now i cant click on any icons,start or anything except get on microsofts pages.i cannot acsess the control panel or nothing.i cant pay these programs that say they can help me.someone be kind and help me please.

[stonefish]

on 4/22/2009 You may also wish to see (I use it):COMPLETE WINDOWS TIPShttp://www.woodsmall.com/windows-tips.htm

[SGSN]

on 4/12/2009 Hello! I have windows 2000 professional. I want change it to Windows xp. I have a CD from a friend for this, but I wonder...do I just put the CD in the player and let it go, or do I have to do something to Windows 2000 professional to install XP? What about the partition situation? Can you give me some advice on this subject or no?Thanks so much,Patricia

[cindyharding]

on 2/25/2009 Oh this one is for me!! Im always afraid Im deleting someting important. 5* and a recommend!