Windows—basic question

[clyde]

With next-to-zero experience on Windows, I'd like to know how to delete a program, or whether it should be deleted.

I downloaded and installed the latest version of an auto diagnostic program on a Windows XP netbook. Haven't used the diagnostic yet, but it's on the desktop.

The earlier version sometimes appears on the desktop.

Should I leave the early version alone, or should it be deleted?

[Forrest]

I would delete the old version. Start-Control Panels-Uninstall Program and choose the program from the list.

[cbelt3]

FWIW, the object on the desktop is not the program itself, but a 'Shortcut' to launch the program. But deleting the old version is usually a good idea. Just don't be surprised if you have to Repair or reinstall the new version. Lots of Windows code is sloppy, and there is a lot of overlap between libraries and code fragments (.DLL files)

[ztirffritz]

There is a location in the Control Panel dedicated to uninstalling software. Most of the programs built for Windows include an uninstall routine that removes all the bits of code that it dumped all over the drive. Sometimes the program itself will have a link to the uninstall program in the Start menu even.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

.
You probably shouldn't be using a WinXP machine connected live to the internet unless it's behind a properly configured firewall.

What ztirffritz said. I haven't used XP in so long that I don't remember specifically remember how to check if you need to uninstall a program before installing a newer version. Better programs will now do (or try to) this automatically.

[clyde]

The WinXP notebook isn't connected to the internet. I downloaded the program via an iMac to a flash drive, then installed the program from the flash drive.

I'll try what Forrest and ztirffritz said—look in the Control Panel for an uninstall feature.

[ztirffritz]

It's been so long since I've used XP I can't remember what the feature is called...Remove and Repair? Repair and Remove? Uninstall? In Windows 7 they changed the name to 'Programs and Features', but that doesn't really help you. You right click on the program and select 'Uninstall'.

Edit: found it: 'Add or Remove Programs'.

[Seacrest]

An old PC with WindowsXP you say?
You're welcome.