Just spend a few minutes on Google with the keyword "Uninstall" to realize the difficulties faced by many of you deal with the removal of certain software for your computers. Some have even made a great reputation in the field. To assist in this process, we propose a case based on three points, while giving you a brief overview of the theoretical principle of installation and uninstall, with all that implies for your computer. Sensitive cases concerning the removal "by hand" will also be discussed, telling you step by step how to clean your PC effectively. Finally, we will recommend some free software or not, you will ensure effective removal, acting on the registry for example.
Why there is not a program to uninstall?
The difficulties encountered to remove some software have originated from three sources:
- ignorance of some users who do not make a proper procedure, removing files manually without trial;
- weaknesses in the Windows tool, which is sometimes unable to completely remove an application;
- software themselves, finally, who are sometimes poorly designed and require exaggerated efforts to be eradicated from your hard drives.
That is why we must first of all to abide by certain rules, but it also happens to have to place the hands dirty.
The principle of an installation an uninstallation
What will happen when you install a program on your hard drive? Since you started the process, several elements are in place. First, the program installs of course all the files it needs to operate, such as libraries and the executable file. This process often uses the Program Files directory (or Programs in Vista) by default, unless you specify another location, but some files may also be placed on file systems, especially in the case of the drivers.
The program also places items in the registry (which should more accurately called "the Register") which will allow Windows to know everything about the program, how it should be launched, the location of executable file or some settings ... Most of the time, then it has one or more shortcuts in the Start menu in Windows on the desktop or in the Quick Launch. This option is often offered when you install a program, with the option to disable it.
It is not uncommon for software to define themselves to Windows they will be executed at the start of Windows. It is sometimes possible to disable this option, but it is not always the case. Many applications also install items in the folder of the user, often in hidden folders (such as the AppData folder in Windows Vista). Finally, be careful not to install more components than necessary, toolbars Google or Yahoo! Sometimes interfering in the installation of some software. Again, check boxes may be present to disable them but they are not always in the heat of the action.
Let's see how does a uninstall via the Windows tool. This will first look for the module dedicated often associated with the program to remove (in the directory under names such as uninstall.exe or unwize.exe). This will, in theory, to erase all traces of the software, making the inverse of a facility. It rises from the Start menu, the registry, the folder in which he is now and possibly in place shortcuts on the desktop. Alas, this module may not be as effective as expected, and you have probably already read a message like "Some files have been deleted. Please delete them manually." Similarly, some software trainer leave voluntarily files or registry keys to anticipate a possible relocation. Therefore, a more complete cleaning than that produced by these tools is sometimes.
The effects on the registry
As we can see, the installation of a program has an effect on the registry, which lists all the items related to the software in question: files associated with it, location, shortcut, windows settings for this application ... A large number of parameters that must be stored in order to run the program according to your settings. It becomes clear that the number of installed programs, the greater the registry increases. Even more annoying, the uninstall does not remove all the entries.
Thus, over the facilities, please uninstall and reinstall possible, the registry so swells, sometimes to slow down the computer. Obviously, this downturn is very low and this is noticeable especially true in recent operating systems such as Windows XP and Vista. However, a registry of excessive size will certainly be an obstacle to research potential of a key or entry states.
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