Q. What is an uninstall error?

A. This is a very common error that can occur for a variety of reasons. In most cases, it means that a few files in the application could not be completely removed from your computer. This will commonly occur if you are attempting to uninstall the software on your own or if you are using the built in uninstaller that came with the software itself. Although it only seems natural to use this component to uninstall something, there is actually a better way that can reduce the amount of errors you get when you do need to get rid of a program.

Q. Why does this commonly occur?

A. This is common due to the fact that many software applications have bugs or flaws, particularly in the uninstall process. Software makers aren’t usually as concerned about this feature and they spend more time making sure that the software itself runs properly. The uninstall package is usually the last to get attention. It can also happen if you somehow interrupt the installation process or if you hit a wrong key while the uninstaller is working.

Q. How can I fix an uninstall error?

A. Whenever you need to uninstall a program from your computer, the best method is to use the built in feature in your Operating System. For Windows, you can find this by opening your control panel and selecting the Add/Remove Program icon. This is the built in uninstaller that can get rid of just about any software that you have on your computer. This is by far the safest way to remove any program from your system.

If you have tried this and you are still getting an error, it may mean that the application you are trying to remove is corrupted. Try running the uninstaller one more time and if you’re still getting the issue, you may need to try a different step.

If this happens, back up your registry file and then use a registry cleaner to remove the remaining files from your system. This is the easiest and safest way to clear out old programs that have left files behind.

You can also do a search on your own for these files on your hard drive, but typically, it’s best to just let the registry cleaner handle this for you.

Q. How do I keep this from happening again?

A. Always rely on the built in application in your operating system to remove your programs. This is by far the safest and easiest way to get rid of software that you are no longer using. While it takes a few extra steps, you’ll be happy knowing that you’re not leaving a trail of dead end files on your computer that can slow down its performance or possibly affect how other programs work. Always remember that if you are asked whether you want to remove a shared file during the uninstall process to select no. In this case, it’s better to err on the side of caution.