There is a right way to remove programs and files. Learn how to uninstall Internet Explorer 7 properly to avoid registry problems.

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 7 the Right Way

You have the option to either uninstall Internet Explorer 7 or upgrade it should a newer version become available. You need to properly uninstall IE 7 in order to avoid problems in running other applications and prevent clutter in the Windows registry. There are a number of associated predicaments, bugs and errors encountered basically due to improper methods of uninstalling the web browser.

First, Click Start then select Settings then go to Control Panel. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel window. The Install/Uninstall tab will appear showing you all programs and applications installed in your computer. Choose Internet Explorer 7 and Internet Tools then select the Add/Remove button. You may also opt to Repair Internet Explorer 7 problems by selecting the Repair button. Windows should automatically try to fix the detected errors and problems.

Problems when Uninstalling IE 7

There may be instances wherein the uninstall process fails due to missing files. The Windows folder contains an important troubleshooting tool referred to as the uninstall log, IE7 Uninstall Log.txt. The log contains all elements necessary for to successfully uninstall the web browser. All changes, moves and actions are entered into the registry with the appropriate dialog boxes presented to the user. There are Passes which are categorized according to the different steps of uninstalling IE 7. .inf files are stored as well as Object numbers which should remain intact. Otherwise, you may encounter problems when trying to uninstall Internet Explorer 7.

If you cannot uninstall IE 7 via the Add/Remove Programs located in the Control Panel, part or all of the uninstall information may have been deleted or corrupted. The important files are IE7bak.dat, IE5bak.ini, Integrated Browser.ini and Integrated Browser.dat. All these need to be reinstalled through website downloads. Even if you update the version to a newer one, the uninstall feature may still be disabled if not corrected. It may be better to close all applications and programs in the meantime including antivirus software during installation, uninstallation or upgrade.

How an Improper Uninstall Affects the Registry

The Windows registry stores all data, inputs, installed programs, uninstalled programs, moved icons and files, online activities and everything else that involves the operating system. As more and more information is registered, it is possible for the registry to clog up which will result to poor PC speed and performance.

Some of the notable factors that contribute to registry clogging are viruses, corrupt files, improper uninstallation of programs and applications and improper removal or transfer of files. Manual click and deletion are the usual suspects for improper uninstallation of files and programs.

There are appropriate ways provided by Windows operating system to ensure that all files remain intact after upgrades, additions, modifications and deletion of some programs. The procedures should be followed by users in order to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the Windows registry. The registry has to be maintained regularly as well and can use the help of software like registry cleaners and defragmenters.