[Ham-Computers] RE: Deleting Programs - XP

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

John,

I don't remember the original thread, but I do know that Symantec has has tools available to assist with un-installing their products in case the standard Add/Remove control panel uninstaller doesn't work.  Some of these tools are app specific and some will wipe all Symantec apps.  Even the "app specific" tools may cause other Symantec apps to uninstall or not work anymore as many Symantec apps use shared DLL's and modules.

The only way I can think of to determine what an un-installer will do is to "disect" it - typically with the development app that was used to create the un-installer...not something the typical user has.  For reference, Wise Installer and InstallShield are two of the most common installer development packages.

Suffice it to say, most un-installers are app specific.  But, as mentioned,  WA5CAB had issues that weren't easily resolvable, so Symantec's techs used one of their specialized un-install tools to try to wipe any traces of Symantec apps in order to start over.  I've used several of these tools (some available for download, others via support contracts only) and they generally work, but often at the expense of needing to re-install (or repair) other Symantec apps.  Due to the way some apps are written (especially if they share code), things like this will happen.

BTW, Symantec isn't the only example...Microsoft is famous for various "DLL Hell" issues!

73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday, April 13, 2007 4:20 PM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Deleting Programs - XP

In a post about mid-February 2007, under the subject above, Robert Downs said, "Although it probably isn't the case, on the off chance that you might be using something from Symantec other than NAV or NIS (like Norton Ghost), be advised that the remover or un-installer will remove that as well."

I recall quivering in my boots after reading his post, hoping that Robert was not speaking from personal experience, but being mindful that all over the place are "removers" and "un-installers" sufficient to wreak havoc and really ruin your day.  What a revolting development to intend to remove only, say, NIS and have everything Symantec removed faster than greased lightning whether you really wanted to or not!

Does anyone know of a way to determine, in advance, exactly what a remover or un-installer will do?

John W0IKT