Rationalising multiple versions of installed programs


  1. Posts : 149
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Rationalising multiple versions of installed programs


    Is it safe to remove close duplicate programs from "Programs and Features" ?

    For example, my system shows:
    Amazon MP3 Downloader 1.0.17
    Amazon MP3 Downloader 1.0.18

    Whilst I'm sure I don't want 1.0.17, I'm leery about removing it for fear that doing so might damage the 1.0.18 version.
    In this case, it would be simple to re-instate the program from Amazon, but some of the duplicated programs contain data that I may find hard to recover, if something deletes it...
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #2

    If they install to the same folder, don't. If separate folders should be okay.

    Create an image backup first so you can recover if things go bad.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #3

    OP is correct to be concerned. Some programs, not many, build upon the previous installs. Previous poster mentioning installs into same directory - correct! I found that out the hard way, once. :)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 149
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Well, I found out about "different directory" the hard way...
    My Kindle for PC program had three instances, one under C:\Program Files\... and two under C:\Users\Steve\Appdata\...
    I checked which one was in use (corresponded to the desktop icon) and deleted the \Program Files\ version...
    All three instances disappeared. Not really a total surprise, and easily rectified as a re-install from Amazon restored everything; I didn't even have to re-enter my ID/pw. The collateral benefit was that I ended up with a newer version.

    I'm going to ignore such duplicates in future. Well, at least until next week, when my ageing brain will have forgotten this salutary lesson. :-(

    Please forgive me for marking my own post as the solution, but I want my experience emphasised, so I don't get sued.
      My Computer


 

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