How do I unistall programs safely?

Question

I purchased my computer from Best Buy in 1995. It came with a bunch of pre-loaded software that I never use. When I remove the software (I delete the icons in the "Settings" option, then I remove the directory in DOS), I always have problems with my PC, and wind up having to restore the hard drive to its original state. Why does this happen? Is there any way I can safely remove these programs to free up hard disk space?

Answer

This question was answered on June 16, 1999. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

The best and safest way to remove software from Windows is to use the Add/Remove Programs utility. Click on Start, click on Settings, click on Control Panel. Double click on Add/Remove Programs. Highlight by clicking once on the software you want to remove. Then click on the Add/Remove button. Then click apply and OK. Deleting directories in DOS won't fully remove software and may also delete files that are shared by different programs.

If you are going to be installing and unistalling software frequently, thare are also third party programs that are more powerful than the Windows 98 Add/Remove Programs utility.

Author

Posted by Ken of Data Doctors on June 16, 1999