Removing a Software Program

Most programs are registered with Windows Vista when you install them. You canand shoulduse Windows tools when you want to remove a program. If you simply delete the files, you might leave accessory files you don't need, or delete files you need for other programs. When you uninstall a program using Windows tools, Windows Vista keeps track of the files, and only when a file is no longer needed by any of your programs does Windows Vista delete the file.

Uninstall a Program

Close all your running programs, and make sure that no one else is logged on to the computer. Click the Start button, choose Control Panel from the Start menu, and, in the Programs section, click Uninstall A Program to display the Programs And Features window.

Select the program you want to uninstall.

Click the appropriate button:

• Uninstall to remove the program

• Change (if available) to modify the installed components of the program or to repair the current installation

• Repair (if available) to reinstall all or part of the program or to correct errors in the current copy of the program

If you're asked, confirm the action you took. If another program starts and offers you a choice of actions, use this program to remove the selected program, to change the installed components, or to repair the program.

Wait for the program to be removed or modified, and then close the Programs And Features window when you've finished.

Tip

Various programs provide different ways to remove or modify an installed program. Some programs display only the Uninstall button; others include the Change button, the Repair button, and even an Uninstall/Change button.