Can't Uninstall a Program, Now What?
By Gaelim Holland
Uninstalling a program should be easy. Often, simply clicking the program's
uninstall feature starts an automatic process that removes all associated files
from your hard drive. However, Windows often notifies the users that it can't
uninstall a program. This phenomenon is is not always attributed to a faulty uninstaller.
Recent technology has allowed software to further embed itself into your
Windows architecture. This action helps to cut down on the work your CPU needs
to link and locate files and allows greater file sharing with similar programs. This
also technology makes the uninstall process far more complex.
Sophisticated file sharing systems literally cause programs to become entangled
with one another. For example, antivirus, internet security software, firewall
and anti-spyware software can all share the same components. Often you can't
delete one program without rendering another one inoperable.
An attempt to remove one of these software programs will often cause an
error exclaiming that you cant uninstall the program. So, what should you do if
you can't uninstall a program, using the software's uninstall application, follow
the tips below for a sure fire method to removing the program form your operating system.
Can't Uninstall A Program Tip Number 1: Kill The Power to "Live" Programs
Windows can't uninstall a program that is "live". This means the program or
some elements of it are actually running. The program or one its services may
be running silently in the background. To discover the status and disconnect
all applications associated with the program, Press Crtl-Alt-Delete to pull up
the task manager. You will need to disable all the services associated with the
program. Here is how:
1. Open your "Start" menu.
2. Click "Run"
3. In the command screen type "msconfig.exe"
4. In the "system configuration utility",click "service"
5. Uncheck all executable(.exe) files associated with the program you want to remove.
6. Click "OK"
After this procedure you may be able to use the program uninstall feature to remove the program.
Can't Uninstall A Program Tip Number 2: Use Windows Removal Tool
Windows Add⁄Remove Programs Tool can often be used as an administrative
measure to override to the program when it stubbornly wants to remain installed.
This is otherwise known as an "executive" uninstall. This is an extremely easy
procedure to perform. You can open the ADD/REMOVE application by following the
directions below.
1.Click "Start"
2.Click "Control Panel"
3.Click "Add Or Remove Programs"
4.Search for the program you would like to remove, then Click "Remove"
Note that the actual removal process is not perfect. Often registry keys and other
files associated with the program may remain. For more tips on how to clean up files
associated with the program check out "How Clean Up Your Computer" page.
Can't Uninstall A Program Tip Number 3: Check Online Resources
If Windows can't uninstall the program easily using Windows Tools, there should
be more detailed instructions found on the program's website. Usually you will be
able to download an updated uninstall application. If the program is very popular
you can often find many tips and technique for complete removal in forums. Try typing
the program name followed by the word "uninstaller" in the search line.
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