To keep their system up to date users regularly need to install new software and uninstall any outdated or old software. Uninstalling a software program is easy but has to be done carefully. The most important task while removing or uninstalling any program is to decide which files to delete. It is essential that while uninstalling a program that all files associated with it are deleted and removed completely. Also, you must ensure that you don’t delete any files that are required for the smooth running of your system.

Many computer users believe that deleting a program’s icon from the folder will delete the whole program, but that is not actually the case. A software program can be removed either by using the Add/Remove program utility or by using the Program Uninstall option. If these two utilities do not remove a software completely, you can use a third-party program uninstaller tool to perform the task. It is also recommended that you use a reliable registry cleaner tool after uninstalling a software to ensure that any left over, orphaned program entries are removed.

The Add or Remove Program utility is the easiest and the most commonly used method to uninstall a software program. You can access the utility from the Windows Control Panel. Most programs installed on your system are listed in the Currently installed programs list of this utility. To uninstall a program, open Add or Remove Programs, and then select the program you want to remove. For example, if you want to uninstall Yahoo Messenger, select the Yahoo! Messenger option and then select the Change/Remove button. Next, follow the screen instructions to complete the removal process.

Many software programs come with a Program Uninstall option. The shortcut to this option is added to the Program’s folder in the Start menu. You may also choose to browse the program’s folder in Windows Explorer and then double click on the uninstall file to launch the program uninstaller.

At times, you may find it difficult to get rid of a program if there is a problem with the program’s files. For example, error 25002 may appear when you try to uninstall (or install) the Symantec Antivirus Client. This error usually occurs due to damaged program files or incorrect registry entries. The error may also appear if the user with which you are logged on, does not have sufficient permissions to the system. In this case, first log on to the system as a user that has the required permissions to remove programs. You may use a registry cleaner tool to resolve registry problems. Additionally, try to first install the program you are trying remove. Doing this, will help you fix any damaged files that may interfere with the removal process. You may also download a program uninstaller tool, if available, from the program’s manufacturer’s website to perform a complete program removal.

Spyware programs such as the mirar toolbar are known to add several registry entries and files that makes it impossible to get rid of such programs completely by using the Add or Remove Programs utility. To get rid of these programs, you must use a good and efficient antispyware tool. These tools are programmed to perform a thorough scan of your computer and weed out all spyware information from it. You must also follow up antispyware scans with a thorough registry scan to ensure that all malicious entries are swept away from the registry.