How do I safely remove software in Windows 98?

[yalamo]

Many years ago, when I got Windows 98, I transferred my trusty UMax scanner from Windows 95. The scanner went to the great flatbed in the sky a few months ago, but left some software behind - Presto PageManager Version 2.30, (25 MB) which I want to remove to free some hard disk space.

Like a lot of software that I have, it doesn't appear on Add/Remove Programs, and didn't come with an uninstall utility. If I try to delete the folder, a window pops up that says "This change could impact one or more registered programs. Do you want to continue?" Since this scares the hell out of me, I don't continue.

Anybody know how to safely and confidently remove software?

 

[mattjurado]

Things you might try.

1. Go to website of software manufacturer and/or vendor, look for uninstaller utility.
2. Update to newer version, then try to uninstall (if its not free, perhaps they have a trial copy?)
3. Rename the directory to something like oldapp. Reboot, see how things work for a week or two. If all is good, then you can delete it later. I suggest then running a registry cleaner application. There are many out there, just search google.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[cdogg]

Ditto on Matt's suggestion. I especially like option #3. That should do the trick.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[TekTippy4U]

I concur with both above;

and if you get errors on startup;
Start > Run MSCONFIG
Startup Tab and look for entries related to the program....untick ONLY the ones related. (it may be a bit more complicated than that, but this is the safe way, and that's why we're all here.).
Post back if you have questions

check
C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp folder
If using User Profiles
Check the C:\Windows\Profiles\<profilename>\Programs\StartUpStartup folder.
If any are found - just move them outta there to somewhere else for now....(they can be easily deleted and remade if necessary - they're only shortcuts, not the programs themselves.


TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs

 

[yalamo]

I thank you all for your replies.

But if I try to change the name of the folder to "Old..." I get the same warning window: "This change could impact one or more registered programs. Do you want to continue?"

I can do this, but then is there any difference between doing this and deleting the folder and parking it in my Recycle Bin for a while?

 

[TekTippy4U]

NO, not really....it's just Safer and easier, and there's less chance of corruption from moving it in and out of bin. 98 is finicky about Recyclin'


TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs

 

[cdogg]

Plus you never know who might use your PC and decide to empty the Recycle Bin. But yeah, there's not really any difference other than that risk.

When you rename the folder, put a ' ~ ' character at the beginning which will place it at the top of your folder list when listed alphabetically. That way, it's in plain sight and you won't forget about it.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884