Add and Remove Programs
Let's Trash it!!
Many of us have at some stage installed a program, had a quick look, and decided we no longer want it on our computer. The question is, how do you then remove it? There are various ways, but for simplicity, we will show you how to use the Windows Add or Remove Programs utility.
Some programs actually come packaged with their own `un-installers’, these are the kind of programs where program writers have been good enough to provide us with un-install utilities. This is a very big help and in some cases these un-installers can be accessed via the Start-All Programs menu.
Most often you simply click start, move your cursor up to All Programs, and then simply point your cursor to the program in the list. Once you have located the the prgram, you may see a pop-out menu appear that offers you an easy un-install by clicking a few simple steps.
Perhaps the more common and popular way to un-install a program can be done via the Control Panel. The utility built-in to Windows that allows you to remove programs is called: Add and Remove Programs. “Geez, imagine that!” The following details the basic steps for removing a program using the Add or Remove Programs utility. It must be noted that this process may not work for every program, some programs do require specific un-installers, or a specific un-install process.
How to remove a program.
1) Click Start and then click Control Panel
2) Click Add or Remove Programs
A general list of programs installed on your computer will be populated. This may take some time depending on the speed of your computer and the number of programs installed.
Once the list has been generated, click and highlight the program you wish to remove.
3) Select the Program you wish to remove and click Remove.
3) Select the Program you wish to remove and click Remove.
4) Click Yes to Remove the Prpgram.
This removal utility works for many Windows programs, you can also add programs using the menu located at the right side bar. As mentioned previously certain third party programs (those not default to Windows), may require specific un-installers or a specific uninstall process.
A good example is the Norton Antivirus program, in some cases you can un-install it directly from the Add or Remove Programs utility. The trick here is to firstly un-install the `Norton Updater’ component, and then un-install the Norton Program. You may be prompted for a reboot after the un-installation has completed. You can sometimes also remove this and other programs via the `All Programs' menu, but not in all circumstances.
Perhaps the best advice for un-installing third party programs, is via a quick Google search for the vendors website, and read their support section relating to program removal. “Although funny as it is, some may not be too helpful in removing their particular program”, but they seem ever so helpful to get it on your computer!!
Many programs also offer an in-built help section, sometimes accessed via the F11 prompt, or click `Help’ at the top menu bar. You may find information relating to its un-installation located in a resource menu. Some programs may require you to download an un-installer file or removal tool from their website. Once again, if the Add or Remove utility does not remove the prgram for you, research the vendors website for more information. It may also be worth trying to remove a program using the Add or Remove utility while operating in `Safe Mode'. To find out more about Safe Mode, click here.
Many programs also offer an in-built help section, sometimes accessed via the F11 prompt, or click `Help’ at the top menu bar. You may find information relating to its un-installation located in a resource menu. Some programs may require you to download an un-installer file or removal tool from their website. Once again, if the Add or Remove utility does not remove the prgram for you, research the vendors website for more information. It may also be worth trying to remove a program using the Add or Remove utility while operating in `Safe Mode'. To find out more about Safe Mode, click here.
One drawback from using the Add or Remove program utility, is that it may remove the program, but at the same time leave pieces of the program on your computer. This kind of program clutter only slows your system, and should be removed for optimum performance. This is also why using a programs’ un-installer or removal tool, may in some cases work better than the Add or Remove Programs utility. We also recommend you perform a Disc Cleanup and Disc Defragmenter operation after you have un-installed any program.