... Uninstaller ... do you use one?
No. I tried a couple with less than ideal results. After removing a program, I still had some files on disk and keys in the registry. Call me old fashioned, but when I want something gone, I want every little bit of it gone. I assume that if I, with my limited PC ability, can find stuff left behind, then there's overlooked stuff lurking in places I haven't a clue about. These programs simply don't inspire my confidence.
I substitute disk imaging for uninstalling. I keep copies of my disk whenever my system achieves a level of functionality and stability I'm contented with. I began with a clean Win98, then Win98 plus OEM hardware drivers, then with Office, next my own stuff, and finally the various packages one collects over the years. Currently, I archive about ten images. My system can become the most entangled mess one could imagine: Recalcitrant programs installed; the .DLL from Hell; settings straight from the funny farm, and the benefits of system maintenance apparently performed by autistic Chimpanzees. I can be back to smooth sailing with one disk restore: Faster than I can drink a coffee.
Again, backing-up your system regularly is an absolute necessity for this plan to succeed, but we all do this, don't we?
Cheers, PW.
P.S. I use Drive Image by Powerquest. Other packages offer similar functionality and have been recommended on this thread as well.
P.P.S. A while ago on this thread, someone posted a link to download a program which checks your system for unused .DLL files. This program moves the unused .DLL files to one folder where they can be restored if they are really needed after all. (They recommend waiting a few months before deleting the folder contents.) I've tried this program and found it worked as claimed. Currently, dozens of unused .DLLs have been moved and removed. I didn't encounter one single .DLL moved by this program which needed replacing after all. The program took about five minutes to do its work.
If anyone wants to try it, I'll include the end piece of their README file to provide clues to find it, although the web page provided seems confusing. (I don't think it's much help.) Maybe Mark can find it: He can find stuff nobody else can.
Name: CLEAN SYSTEM DIRECTORY
Version: v1.6
Category: System Utilities
Author: Kevin Solway
Address: P.O. Box 207
St Lucia 4067
AUSTRALIA
Email: ksolway@poboxes.com
WWW: ozemail.com.au |
