How to delete a program...

mcbrew · mcbrew #1 (**permalink**)

02-22-2011, 01:27 PM

I'm new to Macs, obviosly... so go easy on me.

I installed the software for my networked backup drive, hoping that it would work with TimeMachine, but it won't. I ended up buying a firewire drive, and it works perfectly with TM. Now I want to remove all the software for the external drive. It auto loads its software to the dock, and I can also access it through the applications... but there is no "uninstall" file like you would expect on a PC.

How do I get rid of it? Is it as simple as dragging it to the recycle bin? I don't want to leave behind annoying fragments. Maybe I'm too used to how a PC works...

mcbrew · mcbrew #2 (**permalink**)

02-22-2011, 01:30 PM

I guess I could have done a search... it looks like I just drag it to the trash bin... and maybe use an app to make sure it is totally deleted.

MYmacROX · MYmacROX #3 (**permalink**)

02-22-2011, 01:57 PM

Before dragging the app to the trash, look to see if it has an uninstaller either in the Applications Folder or on the company's website. Some apps have an uninstaller, some do not. If no uninstaller available, then you can drag to the trash and possibly run an app like appzapper to be 100% sure.

Oneironaut · Oneironaut #4 (**permalink**)

02-22-2011, 07:40 PM

Keep in mind also that even the one or two files that may be left behind are miniscule and do not usually affect system performance. That said, I do use AppCleaner just because I don't like clutter.

Moss · Moss #5 (**permalink**)

02-22-2011, 07:42 PM

And to be incredibly redundant with this AppCleaner, here's a quick link to the page. Works like a charm.

toMACsh · toMACsh #6 (**permalink**)

02-22-2011, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbrew

the recycle bin

The what?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbrew

the trash bin

Trash what?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MYmacROX

the trash

There you go! Although I'd write it as the Trash.

All these votes for App Cleaner are fine, but no third party uninstall program is perfect. The best way to eliminate everything associated with an app is to find it all and drag everything to the Trash. The trick is finding it all. App Cleaner and others of that ilk may not be able to do it either.

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mcbrew #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 05, 2011 Posts: 52 Mac Specs: 2010+ Mac Mini, 2.4 ghz, 8 gigs RAM / iPad (1st gen) 32gb 3G / iPhone4 16gb / iPod Video 30gb	02-22-2011, 01:27 PM I'm new to Macs, obviosly... so go easy on me. I installed the software for my networked backup drive, hoping that it would work with TimeMachine, but it won't. I ended up buying a firewire drive, and it works perfectly with TM. Now I want to remove all the software for the external drive. It auto loads its software to the dock, and I can also access it through the applications... but there is no "uninstall" file like you would expect on a PC. How do I get rid of it? Is it as simple as dragging it to the recycle bin? I don't want to leave behind annoying fragments. Maybe I'm too used to how a PC works...
	QUOTE Thanks

mcbrew #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 05, 2011 Posts: 52 Mac Specs: 2010+ Mac Mini, 2.4 ghz, 8 gigs RAM / iPad (1st gen) 32gb 3G / iPhone4 16gb / iPod Video 30gb	02-22-2011, 01:30 PM I guess I could have done a search... it looks like I just drag it to the trash bin... and maybe use an app to make sure it is totally deleted.
	QUOTE Thanks

Oneironaut #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 23, 2009 Posts: 1,331 Mac Specs: 21" iMac * 2.8 Ghz Intel Core i7 * 16GB 1333 Mhz DDR3 * 1TB HD *AMD Radeon HD 6770M 512 MB	02-22-2011, 07:40 PM Keep in mind also that even the one or two files that may be left behind are miniscule and do not usually affect system performance. That said, I do use AppCleaner just because I don't like clutter.
	QUOTE Thanks

Moss #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 22, 2011 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 368 Mac Specs: MacBook Pro\|15" Hi-Res Anti-Glare\|2.2 GHz quad i7\|4GB RAM	02-22-2011, 07:42 PM And to be incredibly redundant with this AppCleaner, here's a quick link to the page. Works like a charm.
	QUOTE Thanks

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