Clean Uninstall

[Petek]

This thread is primarily addressed to the "regulars" who supply tech support on this forum, but everyone is welcome to comment.

Does this forum contain specific instructions on how to uninstall Civ 4 completely? I've seen instructions about deleting certains files, cleaning up the registry, running utilities, etc. However, although I haven't read every single post, I can't recall seeing complete, tested instructions anywhere.

So, if someone has seen such instructions, can you supply a link?

If such instructions don't exist, then I propose that we create them. They could perhaps be added to one of the sticky threads. For the purpose of troubleshooting, it would be very desirable to be able to point people to these instructions. We could then be reasonably certain that any persistent problems were not due to old parts of the program being left behind.

If this seems to be a good idea, I volunteer to create a draft and post it here. Others could test it and add or modify as necessary.

Comments?

 

[Zydor]

The used clean uninstall / reinstall used to date is

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=152620

If you dig up some other missed bits delighted you post so they can be added

Regards
Zy

 

[Petek]

Zydor,

I followed the uninstall instructions in the link that you provided. These worked well and removed almost all of the Civ 4 files and other data from my PC. I did find a few things left over:

1. I had created a test user account. Some of the Civ4 files in this user's profile weren't deleted and I had to delete them manually.

2. I searched my HD for files containing the string "Civilization". Also searched for files containing the string

CFBCE791-2D53-4FCE-B3FB-D6E01F4112E8

(the Civ 4 GUID)

Found some Civ 4 files in oddball locations. Some were in places that I had created while troubleshooting. Found one file in C:\Windows\Prefetch.

3. Also searched the Registry for the above two strings. Only found one item of consequence: The file extension Civ4SavedGames was still associated with Civilization4.exe for the test user mentioned above (but the association had been removed for my usual login ID.)

4. Finally, although the uninstall routine deleted my desktop shortcut to Civ 4, it didn't delete the shortcut on my Quick Launch bar.

In conclusion, IMO the current instructions are adequate. If a "cleaner" uninstall is needed, then I suggest the following in addition to the current instructions. (The first two steps below merely reduce the number of hits when searching the HD.):

* Empty the Recycle Bin.
* Clear Browser history.
* Search all hard drives for files containing all or part of the file name civilization.
* Delete any Civ 4 files found.
* If any other users have been created on the system, delete files from their

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\My Games\Civilization IV\

folder.

 

[Zydor]

Okie Doke-Many Thanks

Regards
Zy