uninstalling

[wakerider017]

Hi, I have some questions about uninstalling software...

I installed EyeTV software today and during installation I entered an activation key...

I thought there was something wrong with the TV tuner hardware so I dragged the application to the recycle bin along with the folder that was in documents...

Low and behold it was actually a problem with my cable so I went to reinstall...


During the reinstall I didn't have to enter a key and the software installed fine...


This means that some info was left behind when I originally uninstalled.

Does anyone know anything about this?

Is there a way to uninstall something completely?

 

[EricNau]

Often applications will have files or folders in your Preferences folder and the Application Support folder (both can be found in your account's Library folder).

A spotlight search of the app's name will usually reveal any files and folders left behind.

 

[FadeToBlack]

You can also use an application called AppZapper. You just drag the application into AppZapper and it'll go and find all the files associated with it and delete them.

 

[gauchogolfer]

During the reinstall I didn't have to enter a key and the software installed fine...


This means that some info was left behind when I originally uninstalled.

This is actually one of my favorite things about using programs in OS X. The preferences files are very small, on the order of KB, so there's no real need from a storage point of view to remove them. In fact, I prefer to keep them for exactly the reason you described. If I decide in the future to reinstall a program, all of my preferences, settings, etc are preserved. It's much more intuitive and convenient from my point of view.

I say leave all those preferences files there.

 

[wakerider017]

You can also use an application called AppZapper. You just drag the application into AppZapper and it'll go and find all the files associated with it and delete them.

Wow, thanks! That is just what I need!

 

[wakerider017]

This is actually one of my favorite things about using programs in OS X. The preferences files are very small, on the order of KB, so there's no real need from a storage point of view to remove them. In fact, I prefer to keep them for exactly the reason you described. If I decide in the future to reinstall a program, all of my preferences, settings, etc are preserved. It's much more intuitive and convenient from my point of view.

I say leave all those preferences files there.

That is true in most cases...

But what if you wanted to do a fresh install on the installation?

I am thinking about trading my Miglia MicroTV out for a EyeTV Hybrid....

They both use the same software, but I will get a new serial number with my Eyetv and I would like to use that instead...

 

[FadeToBlack]

Wow, thanks! That is just what I need!

No problem! Glad to help!