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Need help with uninstalling a downloaded program

16 years ago

Yesterday, I did a dumb thing. I downloaded a photo editing program, HP Photosmart Essentials, from HP. Don't really know why, as I already had Photoshop, Irfanview, Picture-It, Nikon View. Anyway, I decided, after trying the program, to uninstall it. So, I get the message that I cannot uninstall this program without damaging my printer and scanner, both HP. I have had both these for years and am really aggrevated that this downloaded program has attached itself to my printer and scanner without authorization. Any ideas how to get rid of this unwanted program? TIA! Ida

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Comments (7)

mikie_gw
16 years ago
I'd probably shut down and then unwire the scanner and printer. Then after booting do the uninstall.

Probably wont really hurt anything ... if it should break somethin .. hopefully a simple reinstall or maybe a restore point rollback all by itself will fix them.
cboy
16 years ago
I guess I would uninstall my printer and scanner and than
uninstall the new HP Software.
I would than reinstall my printer and scanner.
It's up to you which one you uninstall first.
I don't let the software dictate to me.
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randy_ca
16 years ago
maybe a restore point rollback all by itself will fix them.
System Restore to an earlier time should work.
The computer would never know it was installed.
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

Don't feel bad, always fun trying new photo software, even though you already have a bunch.
I do the same thing.
owbist
16 years ago
A good plan (that I always forget to do LOL) is to create a restore point before installing any new software. Then if you do not like the program you can restore to immediately before the install and lose nothing else.
idaf
Original Author
16 years ago
I sure came to the right place. Thanks to all of you. Each reply was different, but either would have probably worked.I did the easiest thing for me and that was to pull the plugs on the printer and scanner, reboot and uninstall the software, even after a stern warning that I would be doing irreversible damage. Then I turned the computer back on and tried the scanner and printer. Both work fine, so far. I may have done damage that has not shown up yet. If I have a problem I may try the system restore feature. I had forgotten I even had that. Have had this computer for about 3 years and never tried the system restore.Thanks again!! Ida
DA_Mccoy
16 years ago
Ida,

I am glad your concern is resolved. All the advice ws sound. Good for you.

I find this interesting though. During the attempt to remove the HP application, did the alert actually say "damage", or perhaps did it say something to the lesser like "might not operate properly" or "....loss of functions....."?

DA
idaf
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi DA, I did not write down the exact wording of the alert, but this is the best I can remember. "you cannot uninstall this software, if you intend to continue using HP Deskjet 6540 or Scanjet 4890" The meaning was vague, as if the printer and scanner would actually be damaged or if this uninstall might corrupt or delete some crucial files in my computer. Either way would have been bad. I think I will be more careful what I download in the future. Also,I don't think I will purchase anymore HP items, as they all set themselves up in my Start menu and the boot up time is longer than it should be. Ida

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