CyberGuru - Help Desk - How-to Guides - Removing unnecessary programs from your computer

Helpdesk - How-to Guides - Removing unnecessary programs from your computer

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In order to improve the performance of your computer and to bring it up to an optimal level, it is recommended that programs which are not required are uninstalled from your computer on a regular basis.

It is important not just to “delete” a program, but to uninstall it using the correct program. Windows XP and Windows Vista provide an uninstall facility for most programs developed in recent years.

This facility enables users to correctly and safely remove unnecessary programs with a minimum of effort.

Here’s how to use it:

Windows XP

	Click Start.
	Click Control Panel.
	Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
	In the Currently installed programs box, select the program you wish to remove. Click Remove.

Windows Vista

	Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.
	The Control Panel window will appear.
	Under the Programs category, click Uninstall a program.
	The “Uninstall or Change a Program” window will appear, and populate a list of programs which can be uninstalled, changed or repaired.
	For a program you wish to remove, click on the program once and then click Uninstall.

Ø Please note: For any program you wish to uninstall, firstly check that you do have a media if you wish to reinstall it in the future. Also ensure that the program is not required for the system or Windows itself.

	Accept the prompt for an administrator password or provide the confirmation requested if the User Account Control window appears.
	Follow the specific prompts to uninstall the program.
	The prompts will vary depending on the program and publisher.If the uninstallation was successful, the program will be removed from the list.