How to "uninstall" programs?

[Imola Ghost]

I'm pretty sure that you just open the APPLICATIONS folder and drag the app into the trash, is that correct?

I'm new to Mac's so; does this remove everything that has to do with the program like a library or files associated with it?

 

[maclover001]

Yes. You can install AppTrap to remove the library files, but it doesn't really matter because they take up almost no space at all.

 

[J the Ninja]

Most programs have all their stuff except for the their preferences file stored within the bundle itself, so trashcanning that deletes everything. Some programs (notably those that use installer packages) may have left files elsewhere, like the Application Support folder. These usually have an uninstaller as well, either that they installed originally, or on the disc/disc image you originally got the installer package off of.

As for that preferences file, it is a tiny file (4-5KB) that is ignored by everything except the program you just deleted, so there is really no harm in just forgetting about it, but you can go to ~/Library/Preferences and delete the thing if you feel like it.

 

[stridemat]

That removes the application but not any of the files associated with it.

Use a program like http://www.appzapper.com/ to remove everything associated with the program.

 

[ziggyonice]

Easy answer:

To uninstall a program, simply drag its icon from the Application folder to the Trash.

All programs contain things like preference files and sometimes additional files, which are usually stored in the Library. While it's not necessary to remove these (as they take up very little space, and can be convenient if you ever choose to reinstall the program), if you'd like to remove them you can. They're located in the Library folder, and you can just drag them to the Trash if you go looking for them. Note though this does take some work and you need to know what you're doing -- in which case it may be easier to use one of the above mentioned programs to do it for you.

 

[mckyvlle]

I use AppCleaner. It's free! Drag the app that you want to uninstall to AppCleaner, it will hunt down the associated preference files and support files and delete them.

 

[Imola Ghost]

Thanks for the help and I'm sure I'll be posting more stupid questions as I learn. LOL!

I'm basically wanting to install iLife 09 but I've already got iLife 08 and wondered if the 09 version would uninstall things first?

 

[r.j.s]

I'm basically wanting to install iLife 09 but I've already got iLife 08 and wondered if the 09 version would uninstall things first?

It takes care of it ... don't worry about it.

 

[Imola Ghost]

thanks! I'm watching some of your videos in your signature right now!!!!

Where'd you get that background with the round bubbles, that looks sweet!!!

 

[r.j.s]

Where'd you get that background with the round bubbles, that looks sweet!!!

Go to the Suggest link in my sig, it's in the first post.

 

[miles01110]

Here's a brief review of 4 Application removers for OS X.

 

[keithOrbit]

I used AppZapper utilities, it works well.

 

[Melrose]

I use AppCleaner. It's free! Drag the app that you want to uninstall to AppCleaner, it will hunt down the associated preference files and support files and delete them.

I second AppCleaner. I love it. AppZapper was cool, but not worth the price.

 

[Jongewehr]

I second AppCleaner. I love it. AppZapper was cool, but not worth the price.

yes i love appclearner, i set it to auto detect if im throwing away a app in the trash

 

[samuraix98]

iLife 08 Delete Help

When I first got my mac, like the little mac newb I was I deleted some important ilife 08 which came standard with my mac apps. such as imovie and iweb and some other dinky **** programs, which actually I wouldn't mind having now for editing some video. instead of going through the trouble of rocking out premier pro as i would do for most projects, this is jsut some little video with some ends to cut off and drop on YouTube.

How do I gather those apps once again since i did in fact delete them I the Trash. One thought was to put my original installer dics in to see what would happen. Should I back HD up first before I put that disc in, or would it just take care of reloading what im missing in apps.

All I know is that I would like these apps back with out loosening anything else in the process. Please Help.
Thank YOU.

 

[stridemat]

use a program like Pacifist. It allows you to install individual programs from the OSX CD.

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/12743

 

[samuraix98]

Thanks!

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Should this program allow me to pick and choose what part of iLife 08 I need of my install disc? Presumably thats what this says, just making sure.

 

[stridemat]

Taken from there website

"Pacifist can come in handy if you need to install just one file out of a package instead of the entire package. For example, if your copy of Mail or iChat gets damaged and you need to reinstall it, but don’t want to go to the trouble of reinstalling the entire operating system, you can use Pacifist to extract only what you need from the install packages. Pacifist can also be used instead of the normal Installer, which can be helpful if you experience bugs in the Installer that mess up your symbolic links, or if you just like a little more control over the installation process."

So for exmple you could choose just to install iPhoto if that is what you require.