Install and Uninstall Programs on a PC

Installing and uninstalling programs from a PC is generally an easy process using Microsoft Windows 7. However, there are enough exceptions to this rule that you should never take it for granted that a program will be installed or uninstalled without problems. This can be the case for software that was designed before Windows 7 was released or for programs that use their own uninstall applications. Read the instructions carefully when installing any program and watch what is happening on the screen while it is being installed. Before uninstalling a program, take a look at the application folder and read any documentation that came with the software to look for special requirements.

Instructions 

                            

1. Installing Programs

   • 1
     Log in to your computer using an administrative account.
   • 2
     Insert the DVD or CD containing the program if it came on one. Many discs will automatically launch a dialog box with instructions on how to install the software. If a dialog box does not appear, browse the contents of the disc, specifically for a "Setup.exe" or "Install.exe" file. Double-click this file to install the software.
   • 3
     Navigate to the Web page containing a download link for the software if it is available online. Click the download link. A dialog box opens. Select "Open" or "Run" to install the program immediately or "Save" to download the file so you can launch it later. Save the file if you are not certain of the program's source, then scan it using an anti-virus program. Double-click the file to install the program to your computer.
   • 4
     Install a program from a network if it is available there. This may be the case, for example, for software used by your company. Click the Windows Start button and click "Control Panel." Select "Programs," then "Programs and Features." Select "Install a Program From the Network" in the left menu. Click the program you want to install and click "Install."
   • 5
     Follow the onscreen instructions to install the software to your computer. Enter your administrative password if prompted. Make a note of any special instructions for uninstalling the program later as these are often displayed onscreen during the installation process. Do not delete any documentation that comes with the program without reading it as these often include uninstall instructions as well.

   Uninstalling Programs

   • 6
     Log in to your computer using an administrative account. Ensure the program you want to uninstall is not running. Turn off any anti-virus software that may be scanning the computer or wait for it to finish before continuing. Scanning program files for viruses can disrupt the uninstall process.
   • 7
     Click the Start button and select "All Programs." Open the folder containing the program you want to uninstall. Look in the folder for an "Uninstall" file. Double-click this file to uninstall the program.
   • 8
     Look for special instructions in the program folder such as a "Readme" text file if there is no "Uninstall" file in the program folder. You can also visit the application website to find instructions on uninstalling the program. Follow these instructions to uninstall the program. If no special instructions exist proceed to the next step.
   • 9
     Click the Windows Start button if there are no special instructions to uninstall the program. Click the "Control Panel." Select "Programs," then "Programs and Features." Click the program you want to remove and select "Uninstall." Type your administrative password if prompted.
   • 10
     Manually uninstall a program by deleting files only as a last resort if these steps do not successfully remove the program. Back up your files and create a system restore point before deleting files. To create a System Restore point, click the Windows Start button type "System Restore" in the Search field and press "Enter." The System Restore Wizard will guide you through the process. This includes any legacy data files that you used with the program that are not used with other programs. You can often identify files associated with a program by their extension. For example, Adobe Illustrator uses files with an ".ai" extension.