Reinstalling problems

[Dazzler69]

Just a general question. I try to re-install programs I have trouble with but after the install the original settings I had in are still there. Is there a folder which keeps settings separate from the program folder and the reg folder?

[setarip_old]

Hi!

1) You should always UNinstall the program first. If you don't:

2) There may be residual entries in the registry

3) There may be (old style) residual .INI files in your hard drive's root directory

[blutach]

And even if you do, these may abound. Clear them out with something like Registry Mechanic.

Regards

[Dazzler69]

I loaded up that Registry Mechanic. It's not very specific to programs or settings I am looking for. I guess it's not possible. I need a way to search for leftover parts of a uninstalled program.

[setarip_old]

1) have you, as I earlier suggested, UNinstalled the programs (and then cold re-booted) before trying to reinstall them?

2) What are the specific programs that are problematic?

[joseph5]

1) have you, as I earlier suggested, [COLOR="DarkRed"]UNinstalled the programs (and then cold re-booted) before trying to reinstall them?
Most programs, EVEN AFTER UNINSTALLING, leave files with your settings somewhere (registry, application data folders, documents & settings, etc.)

[JohnnyMalaria]

There's a good reason for this: when a new version is released, it is usually necessary to uninstall the existing one. If the settings were deleted, most users would get upset!

You need to manually look through the registry. Start in the current user section and, under Software, look for a key that is the name of the original software provider (or possibly just the name of the software). Settings are often placed there and persist deliberately. Also look in the local machine section, again under software for the vendor's name.

Examples:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Enosoft

and:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Enosoft

If you have uninstalled the software and you find such entries, it is almost certainly safe to just delete the whole key.

[foxyshadis]

The other common folders settings are kept in (if outside the registry) are:

C:\Documents & Settings\<user>\Application Data\Enosoft
or
C:\Documents & Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Enosoft
or even
C:\windows\enosoft.ini

to follow the former convention.

[Dazzler69]

Yes I standardly uninstall the program first. I am looking for more advanced stuff to remove.

I usually goto "find" in the reg and remove anything with the prog name which did not help so I figure it's got to be entries that are renamed.

[Dazzler69]

Hmmm will have to play around in there for a bit.

I am trying to re-install itunes, quicktime, and AMV converter for mp4's. I am deep into them with problems and have already tried tons of things for it. Thinking about re-installing windows because of it.

The other common folders settings are kept in (if outside the registry) are:

C:\Documents & Settings\<user>\Application Data\Enosoft
or
C:\Documents & Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Enosoft
or even
C:\windows\enosoft.ini

to follow the former convention.

[JohnnyMalaria]

Apple's products on Windows are notorious for breaking many rules as far as install/uninstall goes, putting files where they shouldn't etc. For Quicktime, search the registry for entries containing Apple and QT.

[HyperHacker]

Hm, and then things don't work right and Windows looks bad for it. Very interesting.