How to Install & Uninstall Programs in Windows XP

Install or remove programs on your Windows XP computer in the most efficient way. You could choose to download one of the newest versions of an antivirus program from the Internet. But installing a program using a CD-ROM has its benefits too. In case of a crash, the original disk can be used to reinstall the program, if needed. Sometimes applications should be removed because they have become obsolete. By correctly deleting unused software from your Windows XP computer, you save the most space in the shortest amount of clicks.

Instructions

Install a Program from a CD to Windows XP

1. Click "Start" and then point to "All Programs."

2. Click "Control Panel" and then click "Add New Programs" located on the left window pane of the "Add and Remove Programs" dialog box.

3. Click "CD or Floppy" located under "Add a program from CD-ROM or floppy disk."

4. Insert the floppy disk or CD-ROM into the correponding disk drive and then click "Next." Follow the steps of the "Install Floppy Disk or CD-ROM" wizard to finish the installation.

Install a Program from the Web to Windows XP

1. Go to the company's website that contains the software you would like to download. Next, click on the software's "Download" link.

2. Click "Save" on the "File Download - Security Warning" dialog box.

3. Click "Save" on the "Save As" dialog box. (Note: For easy access, saving the application to your desktop folder is a good idea. Another option is to save the software to your application folder.)

4. Double-click the software's icon located on the desktop.

5. Click "Run" if the "Open File - Security Warning" dialog box appears and then click "Finish" when the installation is complete. If the "Open File - Security Warning" box does not appear, typically, the software installation will automatically begin after you click the software icon on the desktop.

Unistall Programs in Windows XP

1. Click "Start" and then click "Run."

2. Click "Change or Remove Programs" located in the left window pane of the "Add and Remove Programs" dialog box.

3. Check "Show Updates." (Note: The program will contain every update associated with the list of programs already installed. After the identified software is removed, double-check the list to make sure you have thoroughly deleted all unwanted software connections.)

4. Click on the software you would like to uninstall and then click "Remove." If necessary, repeat this step in order to remove additional updates connected with the software if they did not uninstall automatically.

Tips & Warnings

• In some cases, a program will include an easy uninstall option. If so, you can bypass the section "Uninstall Programs in Windows XP." To find out if the software you would like to remove has this option, click "Start" and then point to the software program. Look to see if there is an "Uninstall" option listed. If so, click on it to remove the software from your computer.

• Software installation security warning prompts are there to give you a "last chance" warning before the installation takes place. Therefore, make sure your software is from a trustworthy source before you proceed. To help keep your computer safe, check for updates immediately after you add new software. You must be logged on as an Administrator or have administrator privileges to install or uninstall programs on your computer.

References

• Using Windows XP: Computer Setup and Maintenance - Installing Programs