Installing or Uninstalling a Program

WINV-3.1.2, WINV-3.1.3, WINV-7.5.2

Windows comes with a collection of accessory programs with simple functionality. If you need more functionality, software programs are available for purchase. Before you can use a software program, you need to install it using a separate installer program. Most software programs come with their own installation program, which copies the program files to different places on your computer, some in a program folder and others in the Windows folder. When you install a new program on your computer, the Start menu highlights the menus you need to click to start the program. If you no longer use a program or a Windows update, you can remove it from your computer, which saves hard disk space. The Programs and Features utility (New!) in the Control Panel provides a faster display and shows you all the programs and/or software updates installed on your computer. Windows keeps track of all the files you install, so you should uninstall a program or system update, instead of deleting folders and files to remove it.

Install a Software Program

Close all running programs, and then insert the program installation disc into the drive.

If the disc starts, the AutoPlay dialog box opens. Start the setup and follow the instructions provided to install the software.

Important:

Only users with administrator privileges can add or remove programs.

If the disc doesn’t start or you’re installing from a network or different drive, click the Start button, and then click Computer.

Double-click the CD or DVD icon with the installation set up.

Double-click the set up file, and then follow the installation instructions.

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Uninstall, Change, or Repair a Software Program

Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

Double-click the Programs and Features icon in Classic view.

In the left pane, click View installed updates or Uninstall a program to display the software you want.

Click the program you want to uninstall or change.

Click the Uninstall, Change, or Repair button on the toolbar; availability varies depending on the program.

If prompted, click Yes to confirm the removal. If an uninstall program starts, follow the instructions.

When it’s done, click OK, and then click the Close button.

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Did You Know? You can turn the Start menu highlight off. Right-click the Start button, click Properties, click Customize, clear the Highlight newly installed programs check box, and then click OK twice.

See Also If you encounter a problem after removing a Windows update or component, see “Restoring Computer Settings” on page 444 for information on restoring Windows to a previous state using the System Restore Wizard.