Some parts of the book describe how to get rid of nuisance
applications. Some of these applications require a significant amount
of effort to remove even if you’re an intermediate to advanced Windows
user because they wind themselves around the registry and other areas
of Windows. Getting rid of a nuisance application always requires
removal of the application settings. The only problem is that the
application might include links to other applications. Accidentally
removing the wrong settings can make these other applications unusable
as well. In short, you generally want to avoid zapping an application
until you understand both Windows and the application involved.
In a very few cases, a Microsoft Knowledge Base article
will tell you to make an application setting adjustment to fix an
error. Always try to make this change within the application to ensure
the application makes the change for you. When you must make a change
to the registry or an initialization (INI) file, make sure you make
a copy of the settings first. Read the instructions for making the
change carefully and ensure your backup is up-to-date before you make
any changes.
Some application settings are a little easier to make
than others are. Many novices can make changes to the Windows setup
with relative ease. In addition, Windows provides a modicum of protection
against errors in this area. You can read about these changes in the
“Controlling Microsoft Additions You Don’t Want” section of Chapter
4. As always, make these changes with care and create a backup
so you don’t lose any application settings you permanently need.