Correct Software Uninstallation Procedures
Written by admin on September 25, 2008
Removing unwanted software from your computer is generally an easy matter, but as with most things relating to computers, there’s a right way and a wrong way—and doing things the wrong way can cause serious problems.
Simply deleting a piece of software from your computer by transferring it to the recycle bin can have some pretty dire consequences if you should happen to remove shared files which are used not only by the software you removed, but also by other applications on your computer.
For this and other reasons, using correct software uninstallation procedures can help prevent crashes and keep your computer running smoothly.
The Two Ways to Remove Software
There are actually two ways to correctly remove unwanted software and prevent crashes on your computer which might be caused by improper removal. Both are quick and easy to complete.
The first method specifically involves the piece of software you’re removing. In this case, you’ll start up the software as though you’re going to use it, but instead of starting the application you’ll choose the “Uninstall” option. Then simply follow the onscreen instructions to remove your software. This is by far the simplest and most problem-free method of removing software, but it’s not available for all software. Wherever this option can be taken, however, this is the one you’ll want to use.
For various reasons, not all software provides you with a specific uninstallation option. Sometimes the creator of the software simply didn’t add one, and in other cases if the software has become corrupt or some files were accidentally deleted it may not be possible to use the uninstall option provided.
In these cases, you can use a Windows feature called “Add/Remove Programs,” which you can find in your Control Panel. Using this method is just as easy as the first—simply open up the Control Panel, choose the Add/Remove Programs option, then select the software you want to remove from the list which appears. Select the “Remove” option, wait while the software is removed, and then you’re done.
Posted in: PC tips
