How to Install and Remove Programs in Windows

ID: Q142181

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

Windows provides a consistent method for easily adding new MS-DOS-based, Windows 3.x-based, and Windows 95/98-based software. In addition, Windows 95/98-compliant programs register themselves in the uninstall database and can be easily uninstalled.


MORE INFORMATION

Installing Software with a Setup or Install Program

Some CD-ROM-based programs are Windows 95/98 aware and have an Autorun.inf file that launches the Setup program automatically. The following procedure is for those programs without this feature.
  1. In Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs.


  2. On the Install/Uninstall tab, click Install.


  3. Insert the floppy disk or CD-ROM containing the Setup program, and then click Next.


  4. Verify the Setup program to be run, or click Browse to locate the Setup program. When you click Next to continue, the Setup program is run.


NOTE: Some MS-DOS-based programs must be set up with Windows in MS-DOS mode. If you cannot install an MS-DOS-based program, restart Windows in MS-DOS mode and try to install the program again. Refer to the program's documentation for additional information.

Installing Single Components (.inf Files)

If the program you are installing has a Windows 95/98-compliant information (.inf) file, follow these steps:
  1. In Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs.


  2. Click the Windows Setup tab.


  3. Click Have Disk.


  4. Type the path for the new program's .inf file, or click Browse and locate the .inf file, and then click OK.

    NOTE: When you are browsing for the .inf file, you can select only the first .inf file. However, all .inf files in the folder are read. You can type the name of the .inf file you want. For additional information see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
    ARTICLE-ID: Q130788
    TITLE : Add/Remove Programs Selects Only the First Information File


  5. Click the check box for the program element you want to install, and then click Install.

    NOTE: If no items are displayed when you select the .inf file, make sure the element is not already listed on the Windows Setup tab.


  6. Click OK to finish the installation.


Removing a Windows 95/98-Compliant Program

If the program is Windows 95/98 compliant, follow these steps to uninstall it:
  1. In Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs.


  2. On the Install/Uninstall tab, click the program you want to remove, and then click Add/Remove.


Removing a Program That Is Not Windows 95/98 Compliant

To remove a non-compliant program, refer to the program's documentation. Note that not all non-compliant programs can be removed easily. 


Keywords          : kb3rdparty kbenv win95 win98 
Version           : 95 98
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: January 26, 1999