Software Installation & Uninstallation: Parallel Work, Backup & Troubleshooting

8 Steps for Parallel Work & Uninstallation

The operation of the application, i.e., its use at full capacity.

Parallel Work

When an application is replaced by another, performing a parallel operation of the new application with the old. This means a double data entry, and duplicating all tasks for a certain period of time. This results in greater safety for two reasons:

• You can compare the results of both applications. If the previous application had no failures, the results of the new application should be the same as the old, for identical processes.
• If you detect a serious problem in the new application, you can continue working with the former, which has all the information up to date, while the situation is resolved.

Warranty and After-Sales Service

Uninstalling Programs

Many programs create, in addition to the folder where you installed the program and master files, other auxiliary files. To uninstall a program correctly, you generally have two options:

The uninstaller for the application itself.

The uninstaller operating system applications.

It is supposed to perform the uninstall, execute all the required tasks, and the computer will be completely clean regarding the uninstalled application. However, sometimes this is not the case, and we may need to perform some tasks manually:

Delete the folder.

Additional files. These files, especially with the DLL extension (library program), are installed in other folders.

Shortcuts

Entries in the Windows Registry.

Autostart programs.

Measures for Installation or Uninstallation Problems

Back up frequently

In Windows, make copies of the registry. You can make a partial copy of some important entries or the entire record.

In Windows XP, create restore points. Windows XP allows you to return the system to a previous state, provided that a restore point exists. (The restoration does not affect the user's documents, but the installed programs and general configuration.)

Among the files that can remain installed despite having deleted an application, there are some easy to find and eliminate:

Unused fonts

Files downloaded from the Internet.

Temporary files.