Add/Removing Programs

[Scott]

Before I knew anything about adding/removing programs, I
used to make the mistake of just going into Windows
Explorer and deleting the program from Program Files or
whereever said program may have been.

Now, I have a collection of several programs in my
Add/Remove Program Log under Control Panel that I cannot
delete - even if I have the option to remove the
program. When I click that button - I will get an error
message. Some programs do not even have the
change/remove button as an option. Does anyone have any
suggestions as to what to do?

I also have MS Access 97 that I would like to remove from
my computer. I no longer have the disk as I have moved
several times in the last 7 years and it has been
misplaced. When I try to remove the program using the
Add/Remove programs - it asks for the disk. Any
suggestions?

 

[Rich Barry]

Scott, glad you found the add/remove program applet in the Control Panel.
Usually most programs today will add a shortcut
to your Start Menu\All Programs. They will also provide a uninstaller.
But, you have to stick to the old method and remove
the folders from the Program Files folder. You can also go into the
Registry. Start>Run type: regedit
and navigate to HKey_Local_Machine\Software look for any old program
folders there and delete them. Then go to
HKey_Current_User\Software and do the same thing. Finally, go back to
Start>Run type: msconfig
and select Startup . Look for any entries that reflect any old
programs that you deleted and uncheck.

 

[J.K.]

When you wipe a program without an uninsatll utility like
Add/Remove you will leave info in the system registry. I
use a registry cleaner called jv16 Power Tools. Most pros
have this little program on their system. Its a one-trick
pony for the registry, buy has a ton of options. Do a
search, download the demo, see what i'm talkin' bout.
It'll fix your sitch, and you'll learn 'bout a tiny
program that you'll keep around for a long time.

 

[Kelly]

Hi Scott,

Troubleshooting, Removing and/or Cleaning Add or Remove Programs
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_a.htm#addremove

 

[Jeff]

Hi,

Before you do any registry editing though, you ought to
back it up incase you delete something you actually needed.

As for registry cleaners, there are many opinions about
that. Some say they can do more harm then good, others
don`t use them. But if you do plan to use a reg cleaner,
make sure you back it up first.

Jeff

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your help -

-----Original Message-----
Hi,

Before you do any registry editing though, you ought to
back it up incase you delete something you actually needed.

As for registry cleaners, there are many opinions about
that. Some say they can do more harm then good, others
don`t use them. But if you do plan to use a reg cleaner,
make sure you back it up first.

Jeff

.