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NewsArchive
03-03-2009, 06:26 AM
My uninstall deletes all the files I have installed perfectly, but leaves
behind any data or files created after the install.

Yesterday a customer called and said he inadvertently uninstalled my
program. When he re-installed he was back where he left off with all data
intact. Note that the customer can create folders during the normal course
of operations

The down-side is that there can be lots of data still on his computer after
the uninstall.

So what is the proper approach to handle this situation?

--
Lynn Howard
www.linkedsoftware.com

NewsArchive
03-04-2009, 02:25 AM
Hi Lynn,

It depends on the data folder location (and on your preferences). If the
data is stored in a per-MACHINE location, you can ask the user (from your
custom SetupBuilder uninstall) whether the uninstall application should
delete the data file(s). If the data is stored in a per-USER location, do
nothing.

IMO, the uninstall should not remove data files that were modified by the
user. If you have "read-only" data files, then no problem to remove the
files from a per-MACHINE location. But as I understand it, you have
read/write data files -- so removing the files is "suboptimal".

I would display a message after the uninstall to inform the user that the
data files are still intact and he should create a backup, etc.

--
Friedrich Linder
Lindersoft
www.lindersoft.com
+1.954.252.3910

SetupBuilder "point. click. ship"
Create Windows Vista ready installations in minutes

-- Official Comodo Code Signing and SSL Certificate Partner

NewsArchive
03-04-2009, 02:26 AM
Thanks Friedrich.

In my case he could have files on his machine or a server.

I'll have to research how to a display message after the uninstall. I'm
sure that info is there. <G>

But what happens if he uses Windows to uninstall?

Lynn

NewsArchive
03-04-2009, 02:26 AM
Hi Lynn,

You can do whatever you want from a "custom" uninstall in SetupBuilder. So
whether the user executes the uninstall.exe directly or from the Add/Remove
Panel, it's always the very same single uninst executable that handles the
uninstallation process.

If you need help with your custom uninstall application, just let me know.

Friedrich

NewsArchive
03-04-2009, 02:26 AM
Thanks again Friedrich. I'll see what I can do.

Lynn

NewsArchive
03-04-2009, 02:27 AM
Lynn

I give my customers the option during uninstall to remove the data. If they
click yes, all data gets removed. If they click no, the program gets
removed but data stays

--
Eric Jacobowitz
www.castlecomputer.com
www.cctsoftware.com

NewsArchive
03-04-2009, 02:27 AM
Hi Eric,

I don't think I can remove all data because it will be in folders they
create independent of the install.

Maybe I'm missing something here.

Lynn

NewsArchive
03-04-2009, 02:28 AM
Do you have a data file that stores where the folders are? if so, you can
read that data file for the location of the folders and delete them

--
Eric Jacobowitz
www.castlecomputer.com
www.cctsoftware.com

NewsArchive
03-05-2009, 02:37 AM
Thanks Eric,

Good idea! I do have a data file with the folders.

I'll look into that.

Lynn

NewsArchive
03-07-2009, 07:02 AM
Hello Friedrich


> You can do whatever you want from a "custom" uninstall in SetupBuilder.

> If you need help with your custom uninstall application, just let me
> know.

An example of installing/uninstalling would be nice. Maybe with the next
update - or in the Download-Corner of your WebSite?

Jane Flemings SB6 about to the grant access to "EVERYONE" was extremely
helpful!

thx in advance ;-)
Wolfgang


--
Grüße / Regards
Wolfgang Orth

http://www.odata.de



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