Could I get rid of Windows if uninstalling other applications?

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pumex

New Member
I use Vista on my laptop. When I select any program to uninstall I am getting a message: "Uninstall or change an application Microsoft Windows". I am very scared that I would get rid of Windows and wouldn't be able to do anything with the laptop!

Are my concerns warranted?

What to do to be able to uninstall any program?

I need to know if when I click on continue to uninstall any program will it uninstall my Windows? Why doesn't the uninstall program say "Uninstall or change an application [Application to uninstall]"?

Can you please confirm that presently if I continue uninstalling, my Windows will be uninstalled, not the other program??

Does something like that happen to other users - is that a result of a virus attack?

What should I do to fix the problem? By the way, I did Spybot and Malwarebytes tests; didn't show any problems!


By the way, it happens when I want to uninstall each and every program - I always get message that the app to be uninstalled will be Windows! It wasn't so on my other computers and with other operating systems...

Thanks in advance for help/comments.

pumex
 

My Computer

System One

When it says Microsoft Windows at the end of the sentence that is windows asking you if you want to unistall or change the program.
No you will not kill windows itself.
 

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Thanks, jp for your help.

But this place - How to uninstall a program in Windows Vista - gives instructions for uninstalling and even shows screenshows from each step. One of the pictures there clearly shows that the name of the application to be uninstalled should be listed there - not Windows! Moreover, I don't get the 2 separate options: Uninstall and Change. I get just one - Uninstall/Change.

Can you please comment on that? Thanks in advance.
 

My Computer

System One

I have an interesting update regarding the programs that I was trying to uninstall. Not that I want to uninstall all of them - I just wanted to do the test and see if ALL programs give the same message -"Uninstall or change an application Microsoft Windows".

So I attempted about 15 programs and in most cases I was getting the above message, BUT NOT IN ALL!

For example, with regards to MS Works, I would be able to Uninstall, Change or Repair and the message was: "Are you sure you want to uninstall Microsoft Works" - when I clicked on Uninstall button, of course.

Similar case was with: Adobe Reader 8, Roxio products (a number of them), SuperAntispyware, Symantec (one Symantec product - some kind of tech help line - was left despite using Norton_Removal_tool.exe; but I used this time Uninstall button and it did disappear!), VeriSoft, Windows Live Messenger.

I confirmed that I would be getting this faulty - in my opinion - message: "Uninstall or change an application Microsoft Windows" when I highlighted and click on Uninstall button: AVG Free 8.0, Hijack This, Malwarebytes, Firefox, Spybot.

I have more applications, of course, but didn't have time to check more of them.

I hope this update will help to find a problem or to explain if there is any problem at all.

Thanks in advance.

pumex
 

My Computer

System One

Is is possible to show us a screenshot of what your problem is?

Nevermind :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel D975XBX2
    Memory
    Corsair TWIN2X4096-PC8500 (2x2GHz)
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    ATI Radeon HD 4890 (1GHz)
    Sound Card
    X-Fi Titanium - Fatality Pro Series
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    hp w2207h (22" widescreen)
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    1680 x 1050
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    One 750GB, 2x500GB Western Digital Caviar Black Hard Drives (32meg)
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    Zalman CNPS9500 AT
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Revolution
    Internet Speed
    "High" Speed DSL? Is that like low speed FIOS?
    Other Info
    Q6600 B3 Revision OC to 3.0GHz
Thanks, Sygnus

I'm unable to provide a screenshot - I use a PC to get help for that "faulty"(?) laptop, but I will describe you exactly what I'm getting there at the laptop.

Few days ago, I was trying to get rid of Norton Internet Security (NIS) that was causing problems. I noticed that when I went to Control Panel>Programs>Uninstall a program and when I highlighted (selected) the NIS and then clicking on Uninstall/Change button, I was getting the following message:

"User Account Control
Windows needs your permission to continue
Uninstall or change an application
Microsoft Windows
Details Continue Cancel
User account control...."

I was afraid that it was wrong, so I didn't continue, afraid that I would get rid of Windows - instead of NIS! In fact, I tried a couple other applications and was getting the same message - that Windows would be uninstalled.

As I mentioned in the post above, I now know that it's not totally correct; there are some programs that - strangely - give different message. I will describe that message below; here is what I'm getting when I try to uninstall Microsoft Works:

"Programs and Features
Are you sure you want to uninstall Microsoft Works?"
Yes No"

There is also other small difference. With the "Windows uninstallation" message I have on the top one button saying "Uninstall/Change". For MS Works, I get 3 buttons on the top - Uninstall, Change, Repair.

I hope this provides you enough info to decide if there is a problem. It's strange for me that the Windows would get uninstalled - is it possible that I got a virus before and even though I did F11 restore to factory settings something still sits somewhere and would create Windows removal so that I couldn't use the laptop at all?

Please help. Thanks in advance.

pumex
 

My Computer

System One

UAC is there to protect your system files.
It is there to stop malware attacking your computer.
It is normal, there is nothing to worry about.
You can continue to uninstall norton, it will not wipe out any files.
The only real way to get rid of windows is to reformat your computer, you can uninstall parts of windows but as far as I know you can not uninstall all of it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I5 3570K
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    Gigabyte Z77-DS3H
    Memory
    4 x 4GB corsair ballistix sport DDR3 1600 Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte Geforce GTX 660 TI
    Sound Card
    creative x-fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Primary CiBox 22" Widescreen LCD ,Secondary Dell 22" Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    Both 1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    2 x 500G HD (SATA) 1 x 2TB USB
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    Corsair HX 620W ATX2.2 Modular SLI Complient PSU
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    Antec 900 Ultimate Gaming Case
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    3 x 80mm tri led front, 120mm side 120mm back, 200mm top
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    Creative Inspire 7.1 T7900 Speakers
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Roy69 is correct about UAC, It's basically "ensuring" you want to do what is is you asking to do. Just click yes and follow the instructions.

I don't agree with a reformat as NIS can be removed without it; but its your discision.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel D975XBX2
    Memory
    Corsair TWIN2X4096-PC8500 (2x2GHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 4890 (1GHz)
    Sound Card
    X-Fi Titanium - Fatality Pro Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    hp w2207h (22" widescreen)
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    One 750GB, 2x500GB Western Digital Caviar Black Hard Drives (32meg)
    PSU
    Antec Neo HE 550
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9500 AT
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Revolution
    Internet Speed
    "High" Speed DSL? Is that like low speed FIOS?
    Other Info
    Q6600 B3 Revision OC to 3.0GHz
sygnus21 said:
Roy69 is correct about UAC, It's basically "ensuring" you want to do what is is you asking to do. Just click yes and follow the instructions.

I don't agree with a reformat as NIS can be removed without it; but its your discision.
Click to expand...

I was not telling the op to reformat, I was saying the only way I know to get rid of windows is to reformat. The op was worrying about removing Windows by accident.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I5 3570K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77-DS3H
    Memory
    4 x 4GB corsair ballistix sport DDR3 1600 Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte Geforce GTX 660 TI
    Sound Card
    creative x-fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Primary CiBox 22" Widescreen LCD ,Secondary Dell 22" Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    Both 1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    2 x 500G HD (SATA) 1 x 2TB USB
    PSU
    Corsair HX 620W ATX2.2 Modular SLI Complient PSU
    Case
    Antec 900 Ultimate Gaming Case
    Cooling
    3 x 80mm tri led front, 120mm side 120mm back, 200mm top
    Keyboard
    Logik
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    Technika TKOPTM2
    Internet Speed
    288 / 4000
    Other Info
    Creative Inspire 7.1 T7900 Speakers
    Trust Graphics Tablet
Sygnus,
you wrote:
"Roy69 is correct about UAC, It's basically "ensuring" you want to do what is is you asking to do. Just click yes and follow the instructions."

The problem is that I'm asking to uninstall "other" program (e.g., Spybot), but the message suggests that if I continue, I will uninstall Windows!

I gave you examples that it is so for certain applications, but not for all. Why is it so?

Why do I get 2 kinds of instructions for one task of "uninstall"? In my other computers it was always one type of message - that I will uninstall "that" program, not Windows. That's why I'm so uncomfortable with clicking on continue.

pumex

P.S. As I said, I already removed NIS from my laptop by using Norton_removal_tool.exe After that there was still 1 simple app from Symantec on my laptop, but I uninstalled it yesterday as I get that 2nd type of message - not that I will uninstall Windows. It worked and it was uninstalled
 

My Computer

System One

Hi pumex,

It depends on the program. Some only come with an uninstaller, some come with the option to change or repair as well - nothing strange about that bit.

The message you quote is not one that I have had.

"Uninstall or change an application Microsoft Windows"
Click to expand...

SIW2
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Vista
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    ASRock1333-GLAN R2.0
    Memory
    4gb DDR2 800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 9500GT 1gb
  • Operating System
    win7/vista
    CPU
    intel i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    ballistix 2x8gb 3200
So my biggest problem is not to uninstall NIS. I use it as an example of a program to uninstall, although it was creating problems and I wanted to uninstall it. When I was trying to uninstall it I noticed that strange message:

"User Account Control
Windows needs your permission to continue
Uninstall or change an application
Microsoft Windows
Details Continue Cancel
User account control...."

Why (Uninstall or change an application) Windows, if I wanted to uninstall NIS???

Now NIS is already uninstalled (although not vie Add/Remove), but I still get that message ("Uninstall... Windows...") in case of some programs, but not with others.

That's why I'm concerned and afraid that if I press Continue, I will delete Windows.

Should I be concerned? Do I have a problem here? I would be very grateful if somebody explained that to me so that I could use my laptop without any worries, and to be able to safely remove any application if I need that.

Thanks in advance.

pumex
 

My Computer

System One

SIW2, thanks,

so if you say:
"The message you quote is not one that I have had."

does it mean that there really is something strange with my laptop?

pumex

P.S. I understand that some progs offer option to repair, change, etc. My concern is that I get 2 basic types of messages. For example, when I want to uninstall Spybot - I get a message that I will uninstall Windows. But when I want to uninstall MS Works, it says that I will uninstall MS Works - the program that I actually do want to uninstall (not the Windows!). I would only want the second type message...
 
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Hi pumex,

I am in a different o/s right now, 7, so I can't double check that at the moment.

I rarely use the Windows applet as it only runs the uninstaller that came with the the program you are trying to uninstall. If that is corrupt or missing, or sloppily written -it won't fully remove the program.

I normally use the free

Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Uninstall Software, Remove Programs, Solve uninstall problems

This will uninstall an app. properly and search for any leftover remnants.

(The site says 64bit not supported - what that means is it will only find and uninstall 32bit programs - it works perfectly on both my 64 bit systems and the only app. I have installed that is true native 64bit is Macrium Relect - so no problem ).

You may prefer to use that instead.

Hope it helps

SIW2
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Vista
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    ASRock1333-GLAN R2.0
    Memory
    4gb DDR2 800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 9500GT 1gb
  • Operating System
    win7/vista
    CPU
    intel i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    ballistix 2x8gb 3200
Thanks, SIW,

actually I just downloaded a program advertised on this forum...

BUT

It's not my problem - to find the best uninstall program.

My problem is that I'm afraid that the virus I allegedly got a week ago (I was told to use F11 and I did that) still is "working" somehow on this laptop and could make me to uninstall Windows - which I understand is the most important program - when I want to uninstall any other program.

Is it possible to find out if I really have a problem?

Thanks for help.

pumex
 

My Computer

System One

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Vista
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    ASRock1333-GLAN R2.0
    Memory
    4gb DDR2 800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 9500GT 1gb
  • Operating System
    win7/vista
    CPU
    intel i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    ballistix 2x8gb 3200
pumex said:
Sygnus,
you wrote:
"Roy69 is correct about UAC, It's basically "ensuring" you want to do what is is you asking to do. Just click yes and follow the instructions."

The problem is that I'm asking to uninstall "other" program (e.g., Spybot), but the message suggests that if I continue, I will uninstall Windows!

I gave you examples that it is so for certain applications, but not for all. Why is it so?

Why do I get 2 kinds of instructions for one task of "uninstall"? In my other computers it was always one type of message - that I will uninstall "that" program, not Windows. That's why I'm so uncomfortable with clicking on continue.
Click to expand...

As stated earlier, UAC is there as a security measure, and as such, if it deems a program critical to the system or user it will ask if you want to do what is is you're trying to do. It will also popup for some installs as well as opening certain apps. Why it chooses to do it on some programs and not others is a question for Microsoft and one that I can't answer.

As to "the message suggests that if I continue, I will uninstall Windows!" This is simply not true and that's not how it works. You can't uninstall Windows through "Prgrams and Features" And UAC won't uninstall Windows.

Edit - I see you've got you answers.

Good luck
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel D975XBX2
    Memory
    Corsair TWIN2X4096-PC8500 (2x2GHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 4890 (1GHz)
    Sound Card
    X-Fi Titanium - Fatality Pro Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    hp w2207h (22" widescreen)
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    One 750GB, 2x500GB Western Digital Caviar Black Hard Drives (32meg)
    PSU
    Antec Neo HE 550
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9500 AT
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Revolution
    Internet Speed
    "High" Speed DSL? Is that like low speed FIOS?
    Other Info
    Q6600 B3 Revision OC to 3.0GHz
Thanks, guys.

What I'm getting from your posts is that there is something strange with the UAC, not with my laptop and the fact that I get those two kinds of messages when I want to uninstall programs is just innocent, but I won't lose my Windows if I press Continue while trying to uninstall any program.

By the way, I did a number of tests after the F11 reset - e.g. Spybot, Malwarebytes, SuperAntispyware, AVG. They don't show any problem now (virus, malware).

The laptop works rather normally, except for relatively low download rate.

Anyway, Thanks for all your help and best regards.

pumex
 

My Computer

System One

Hello Pumex,

I have exactly the same problem with my desktop system. It really feels like some type of malware. It doesn't seem that the answers you are getting are all that reassuring. The UAC seems to be asking if you are sure you want to uninstall Windows, or maybe some subset of windows. It is not comforting knowing that the Control Panel Application Uninstaller may be corrupt.

I want to uninstall Adobe Shockwave and I would like the uninstaller to ask me if I am sure I want to uninstall Shockwave, not Windows. Can anybody tell me if this is the message I should get when uninstalling Shockwave 11?

Thanks in advance, Rory1327
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    hp pavilion
    Monitor(s) Displays
    sony
Hi rory1327,

Welcome to Vista Forums! :)

Apologies for the delay in responding.

Yes! You are supposed to get that message when uninstalling. Just click Allow, Continue or whatever is presented to you to complete the uninstall of the program.

Unfortunately the uninstaller has no control except to do it's job which is to uninstall. An uninstaller is a utility software designed to remove other software or parts of it from a computer. Shockwave is installed on Windows not the other way around and the uninstaller is installed at time of installation along with the program that is installed to assist when/if you decide to uninstall the program.

When you choose to uninstall a program and the UAC (User Account Control) is enabled you will get the warning window that you are presented with as a precautionary measure to make sure that you do want to make changes, uninstall and you will be presented with this annoying little window even when you want to install almost anything that will make a change to the system.

The reason that is says Microsoft Windows is because the publisher of the UAC is Microsoft Windows.

Believe it or not, it is there for your protection to prevent mistakes, and to protect you.

Here's a good link about the User Account Control in Vista.

Vista's UAC security prompt was designed to annoy you

This security feature can be turned off from within Windows but I would not advise it unless you are a savvy computer user and practice safe, intelligent computing.

Donna :)
 
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