How to safely uninstall without an installation disk

B
Posted By
bobby18301
Nov 13, 2008
Views
963
Replies
9
Status
Closed
I just upgraded to PS CS4 and want to remove PS CS3. Since I downloaded them both I have no install/uninstall disk. Can I safely use Windows XP’s "add remove" program from the control panel? Will it do a total removal?
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DM
dave_milbut
Nov 13, 2008
yes you can. but many people leave 2 versions installed while they get used to the new version. up to you. if you do uninstall, make sure you say "NO" if it asks do you want to remove shared files or folders…
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Mylenium
Nov 13, 2008
If you can afford it, leave CS3 in place. No harm in that. Otherwise uninstalling should be safe. If you are still one of the more cautious people, you can use the CS4 (!!!) Clean Utility to unregister your CS3 from the installer database. This will release all directories and registry entries, but leave the program itself in place. You can then decide when you want to delete the program directory. Be aware though, that you also have to manually take care of the other directories for Bridge and so on as they don#t have separate installer entries.

Mylenium
B
bobby18301
Nov 14, 2008
But, I downloaded CS4 also (as I stated) so I have no disk. Is there another way to get to the "Clean Utility"? Is that an Adobe thing that comes with the program? I just wish uninstalling wasn’t such a problem. Adobe Bridge CS3 is not even listed in my Windows XP "Add Remove" programs. Shouldn’t it just uninstall when PS CS3 is uninstalled?
DM
dave_milbut
Nov 14, 2008
in case you haven’t BACK UP THOSE DOWNLOADS.

Is there another way to get to the "Clean Utility"?

search adobe.com for cs4 clean utility.

I just wish uninstalling wasn’t such a problem.

sorry if i missed it, but what’s wrong with the control panel’s add/remove programs?

Adobe Bridge CS3 is not even listed in my Windows XP "Add Remove" programs.

part of photoshop.

Shouldn’t it just uninstall when PS CS3 is uninstalled?

I think so.
B
bobby18301
Nov 14, 2008
Well…I found that when I click on CS3 in Windows "add or remove programs" it opens up the very same Adobe "Install or Reinstall/Remove" utility that comes with the program if you purchase the disks. So, all is well.
DM
dave_milbut
Nov 14, 2008
🙂
DM
dave_milbut
Nov 14, 2008
(back up your downloads if you haven’t!)
JT
John_T_Smith
Nov 14, 2008
Actually… buy an external USB hard drive and backup your entire computer… what I use is

Terabyte’s Image program makes a full drive image for backup – will span multiple CD/DVD discs or write to a USB hard drive – as far as I know (I have multiple identical 80Gig boot drives which I rotate via removable drive housings, creating a backup and restore before I install or remove any programs) this program goes directly to the drive hardware to backup and restore EVERYTHING on a drive, even the "hidden" parts that software vendors use to store registration information

Dos version is small enough to run off a 3.5 inch boot disk <http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/image-for-dos.htm>

Linux version creates a bootable CD, use if you have a USB mouse or keyboard (the DOS version won’t work if you have a USB mouse or keyboard) or if you don’t have a 3.5 inch boot disk
<http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/image-for-linux.htm>
BW
bob_weidner
Nov 14, 2008
Thanks but this has nothing to do with my original question which was answered long ago.

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Learn how to optimize Photoshop for maximum speed, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your projects organized so that you can work faster than ever before!

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