Delete, and executable files …
One nice feature of Windows is the support for shortcuts. With shortcuts, we can launch programs from wherever we’re currently working, saving ourselves the bother of knowing where programs are stored and what they are called. Also handy is the ability shortcuts to supply all the parameters needed, many of which requires us to remember not only what they are, but also where they belong as well. Shortcuts are usually displayed using the same icon as the target program. This makes them easier to recognise, but can also lead to confusion.
Executable files have an extension of .EXE, (or .COM, but these are rare) while shortcuts file extensions of .LNK, for Link I suppose. Windows Explorer will issue the This file is a program… whenever it is asked to delete an .EXE file. It doesn’t matter if the file is a program, data, junk, or critically important, you get the message anyway. (You can rename a junk file, giving it an .EXE extension, and test this.) Explorer sees the .EXE and jumps to a conclusion.
Many programs must be installed on your system before you can use them. The process of installation is performed by a program written especially for this work. Once this program has completed the installation, it is no longer needed in most cases. The exception to this is when the installation program does double or triple duty and is used for later configuration or removal too. Developers frequently use the same icon for the program, the installation, and shortcuts. In most cases, this makes life easier. But it can also lead to some confusion over which icons are needed and which are disposable. It would be nice if installation programs would delete themselves when they finish. (My wish!)
Adding to the confusion, some programs come in compressed files you must expanded before anything can be done with them. An installation program may or may not be included. This adds an additional step for users: First expand, then install. Fortunately, instruction files usually accompany the program. Again, the developer may choose to ship a self-extracting file using the program’s icon, or a .ZIP file which leaves expanding to the user. Windows also uses .CAB files, which are simply Microsoft’s own compressed file format. Anything to make life harder!
What to do?
When in doubt, don’t burn your bridges. Don’t delete, but instead, rename. Make it easy to change your mind. If your program relies on a file that’s been renamed, it will fail when you try to use it, making it clear that you need to re-establish the original name. If the program runs correctly, then you know that the renamed file is redundant and can be deleted.
If you accidentally delete a shortcut, Explorer will create a new one easily. Dragging a program file doesn’t move it, but instead, creates a shortcut in the new location. I create several shortcuts to programs I use regularly. If you accidentally delete a program, (which is harder because of the warning) you’re probably better off re-installing it, along with its support files. Some things are better replaced than repaired, and this is one of them
A hint: Explorer will display file extensions. Make them visible. Click View, Folder Options, View tab, and uncheck the Hide File Extensions for known types box. This will assist you in determining what action is appropriate for various files. Also, pay attention to the dates: Files created in a moment ago are more likely to be disposable than one from 1996.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. Another hint:
I keep two folders for downloaded programs. In one, I store the downloaded files of everything I’ve both downloaded and installed on my system, and in the other, I store downloaded files I’m in the process of evaluating. If I need to re-install something, I can locate it without difficulty. A third folder contains downloaded hints I’ve implemented: I can back-track easier when the trail I’ve followed is clear. |
