6.12. Uninstalling Software: All VersionsWhen you've had enough of a certain program and want to reclaim the disk space it occupies, don't just delete its folder. The typical application installer tosses its software components like birdseed all over your hard drive; therefore, only some of the program is actually in the program's folder. Instead, ditch software you no longer need using the "Programs and Features" control panel described above. Click the "Uninstall a program" link at the top left, and then proceed as shown in Figure 6-20.
Tip: If your computer is a member of a workgroup and you're using Fast User Switching (see page 686), don't delete a program until you've verified that it isn't running in somebody else's account behind the scenes.
Even after you uninstall a program, the folder that contained it may still exist, especially if it contains configuration files, add-ons, or documents that you created while the program was still alive . If you're sure you won't need those documents, it's safe to remove the folder (discussed later in this section), along with the files inside it. Note: In Windows XP, the list in this dialog box was cluttered up with dozens upon dozens of " Windows Hotfixes"the little security patches that Microsoft sends out weekly or monthly via the Internet just to make your life interesting.In Vista, though, they get a list of their own. Click "View installed updates" (one of the links in the task pane at the left side of Features and Programs). That's useful to remember if you suspect one day that a certain patch has broken something on your PC. 6.12.1. When Uninstalling Goes WrongThat's the theory of uninstalling Windows programs, of course. In practice, you'll probably find that the Programs and Features program should more accurately be called the "Add or I'll-Make-My-Best-Effort-to-Remove-Programs-But-No-Guarantees" program. A disappointing percentage of the time, one error message or another pops up, declaring that the installation can't proceed because Windows can't find this or that component.
Most of the time, it's not the fault of Windows. Programs and Features is simply a list of links, like the All Programs section of your Start Menu. When you highlight an entry and click Uninstall, Windows just fires up the program's own uninstaller program. When the uninstaller doesn't work, thanks to some bug or glitch, the fun begins. The truth is, the world won't end if you just leave the crippled program on board your PC. You can join millions of other PC fans who slog along, hard drives corroded with bits of software they can't seem to remove. Apart from the waste of space and the uneasy feeling that your PC is getting clogged arteries, there's no harm done. But if you'd rather wipe the slate clean, start by visiting the Web site of the company that made your program. Dig into its support section to see if the company has provided a fix or any removal instructions. (Some companies discover bugs in their uninstaller utilities just like they might in any other part of their programs, and then release patchesor even special removal toolsthat let their customers remove their software.) If that step doesn't lead anywhere , you can get serious by eliminating the stubborn bits by hand. Because the process is manual and technicaland because, heaven willing, you won't need it oftenit's been offloaded to a free bonus article called "Removing Stubborn Programs." You can find it on this book's "Missing CD" at www.missingmanuals.com. |