You will remove programs from Windows on a PC by using an install process. You can’t just go in and delete the files that the program runs from.

When you install a program, not only are the files that are the program installed on your PC, but other files in other locations may also be installed, and entries are made in the registry that tell Windows how to run the program. We want to remove all of those, and the uninstall process will remove them.

These directions are for Windows 7, and the steps for Windows XP and Vista are very similar so that you can follow these.

First, go to “Control Panel.” Assuming you are on the default appearance, you will choose “Uninstall a Program” which is in the “Programs” group (if you are using classic “Control Panel,” then you will choose “Programs and Features”).

Now, you will choose the program that you want to remove, then either right-click the name and choose “Uninstall” or click the name and look at the top of the list and choose the choice to “Uninstall.”

From this point on, it will vary by program, but normally the directions are clear. In some cases, you may get a choice to uninstall, repair or add features. Others will ask what features you want to uninstall, and you will choose appropriately. The process of doing the uninstall may take less than a minute or several minutes for more complex programs.

When the process is finished, you may be requested to reboot (restart) your computer. If so, do that. You will have uninstalled the program, and it should no longer appear anywhere or be using resources on your PC.

Send your questions to Dwight Watt at dwight@dwightwatt.com. He teaches at a technical college in northwest Georgia and does consulting work for businesses and individuals. His website is dwightwatt.com.