deleting programs?

Question

I am running out of memory on my laptop and would like to delete some old files. I went through my 'program files' tonight but I have no idea if some of the file are important or not... they have names like:

valueadd, bonjour, directx, earthlink, mircoprose, snapshot viewer...

So, they don't sound important... but I'm scared of deleting them in case my programs don't work anymore...

any advice?

Answer 1

DirectX is important, it enables you to use some graphics, so don't delete that one.

Valueadd, however, sounds like spyware of some sort, so before you delete anything you should run a spyware check (eg with Adaware or Spybot) and get rid of anything they tell you is dangerous.

If you do delete some of your programs, make sure you uninstall them first - don't just delete directly or you could mess up your computer. Go to the control panel (it's start-settings on my computer but different on some others) and choose add/remove programs - that should tell you which ones you haven't used recently. If they haven't been accessed by the computer for a few months, then they're not vital parts of your operating system and can probably be uninstalled.

Also, to save space, do make sure you delete your Internet cache regularly - that can take up a huge amount of hard disk.

Answer 2

Instead of doing it that way, Go to the start button, Click Control Panel, Then Click Add or Remove Programs and click it there. If you can't figure out how to do it, Maybe you should consider upgrading to a hard drive with larger memory...

Hope this helps you

Answer 3

is there no space or the memory running slow??

there is huge different between both...


if it is the memory (RAM) so there is many programs working on the background..

but if there is no space.. you can delete some of those programs, but be careful.. do not delete "direct X" cause it is important for your computer..

and the other programs seems not important, but may be you will need them..

Answer 4

directx is important. however, the other programs aren't that vital. but for worry free uninstallation go with control panel - add/delete programs. do not delete the folder off my computer's "program files"

Answer 5

Do not delete anything in the program files folder. Installed software will have registry entries that will build up clutter if you do not remove them. Use the add/remove programs tool in the control panel to remove software.

Answer 6

To be safe do the google safty technique
it is long and boring
but it is worth not deleting something that your system needs
First search the item on google and find out what it does
make sure its from a few sites
then delete it if you do not need it

Answer 7

The best thing here is take your laptop to a professional and ask for help. This way you don't accidently delete something related to the operating of the PC

Answer 8

Just right click on the drive u want to clear memory and select properties and then Click diskclean up button and clear all the files it shows in the list without any doubt....

Answer 9

go to My computer--
C,D: Drive --
Right Click--properties--
Disk Clean Up-- Files to delete-
Select all check boxes Click OK
And also Go To C:\Document And Setting\(ur account name)\
Local Setting\Temp\
Delete everything In Temp [Remember TO Show All Hidden Files]
Orelse Go to start -- allprograms--accesories--system tools--
system restore--in it system settings uncheck c: or any drive
click OK

U will gain uto 200Mb

Answer 10

From that list, I'm only sure that DirectX is a must, so don't delete it.