|
Below, you'll find extensive information on leading
webmaster central articles and products to help you on your way
to success.
Removing Old Software
By dragonpc007
Removing Old Software
We all install programs, use them for a while, and then wish we were never introduced to them. Some programs that you install you will forget you even have. Some software that you remove will leave traces of its existence behind that you may not even know about.
Add Or Remove Programs.....Not Enough
The easiest way to remove programs is from the Add Or Remove Programs applet. You simply select the program you wish to remove and click to remove it. This generally removes a majority of the application from your
However, a good portion of the time this method of removal does not remove every file that is related to the program. Often there will be scattered files, DLLs (dynamic link libraries), temporary files, and more that may be left on your computer. To ensure maximum optimization of your computer, as much of this clutter should be removed as possible.
Why are some files left behind?
When you install a program, the installer makes a log of all of the files it installs. when you remove the program, the uninstaller reads that log file and removes only the files listed. If the uninstaller can not locate the log file, the program can't be removed properly. If additional files have been added to the program's folders, those files and the folders they live in will not be removed either.
Where are files normally stored?
Many files are normally stored in you My Documents folder. Normally this folder is on the desktop of your or in your Start menu. Many of these files are created by programs for use by you. If you installed a trial of something and it creates a file or folder in you My Documents folder. Those files and folders are normally left behind when you elect to uninstall the program.
Another place files are stored are in the temporary folders on your computer. There are several different Temp folders:
C:Temp
C:WindowsTemp
C:Documents and SettingsYourNameLocal SettingsTemp
*Warning: It is not recommended to remove shared files. Deleting the wrong file while trying to free up some hard disk space could bring your system to a screeching halt.
Another place programs place data is in the Registry. The Registry is
Intel X25-E Extreme SATA Solid-State Drives - SSDs for Enterprise to 64 GB
SSDs are targeted to Enterprise and or high-end desktop deployments and offered in capacities of 32 and 64 GB. 32 GB drive now available through Kingston.
NetGuardian - Alarm Monitoring Devices w/Built In Ethernet, Terminal Services
Line of Remote Terminal Units targeted primarily to Telecom network alarm monitoring. New 216 model boasts a fiber (1000BaseT SFP) interface.
wi4 WiMAX - WiMAX Gear for Providers and Their Subscribers
Line of WiMAX gear is targeted to providers and their customers, enabling them to rollout WiMAX-based access networks. New customer premise box features adaptive switching technology.
CREDANT Protector - Enforces Endpoint Protection Policies By Domain, Computer, User, Group
Platform enables the creation and enforcement of endpoint network access and data transfer policies by domain, group, computer, or user. Leverages technology from Safend.
VTrak Series - RAID Storage Enclosures in 12 and 16 Bay Flavors
Line of external RAID storage enclosures with support for SAS and/or SATA drives and connectivity via FC, SAS, iSCSI, or U320 SCSI. Mac versions now with 1TB drives, Bonjour support.
My Book - External Desktop Drives w/Backup Software
External desktop drives connect via USB/FireWire/eSATA, with most including backup software. New Mac Edition model boasts capacity of 1 TB and is pre-formatted for Mac use.
where most of the system information, preferences, and settings for your and software are stored. Removing software incorrectly will leave bits & pieces of the program in the registry Removing these orphaned keys can make your system faster and more stable.
The registry is the favorite hiding place for spyware. Visit Secure Networks for more information on spyware: http://www.securecomputernetworks.com/resources/security/spyware.htm
*Warning: Modifying the Registry could possibly crash your or software. Always remember to back your up before every changing anything Do not remove Registry entries for anything unless you are sure that they are not needed.
With a little detective work, you can find and remove unwanted files from your computer. You will end up with more free disk space and perhaps a more reliable and faster computer.
We still recommend you employ the help of a professional when removing files from your computer. If you mistakenly remove files that a program still uses, the program may not start again until you reinstall it. If you remove files that your operating system uses, you could potentially have a that will not start fully.
Secure Networks has specialists on staff that can help you with this task. They have mobile techs located throughout Texas and also offer phone support provided by QUALIFIED technicians. A majority of the time after a Complete PC Clean-Up, your will run better, launch programs faster, crash less often, and receive fewer pop-ups while surfing the internet. Constant Pop-ups are a sign of a virus or spyware that has found it's way into your computer. Visit Secure Networks web site for more tips and tricks on repair and maintenance. www.securecomputernetworks.com/resources/computer-tips-tricks.htm
|
