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Vista - Uninstall Device and Device Driver

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Uninstall Device and Device Driver

How to Uninstall a Device and Device Driver in Vista
Published by Brink
07-31-2008

How to Uninstall a Device and Device Driver in Vista

Information
  This will show you how to uninstall a device, a device driver, or both in Vista.
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OPTION ONE:
Through Programs and Features
NOTE
  This will only uninstall the device driver software and not the device itself from Device Manager. You would use this option if you wanted to install another device driver version afterwards for that device.
1. Open the Programs and Features window.

2. Look to see if the device driver is listed. (See screenshot below step 3)
A) If it is, then right click on the listed device and click Uninstall, then Yes to confirm.
NOTE: Sometimes, you will get a notice to restart the computer to finish uninstalling the driver. If you do, then click on Yes to restart the computer when prompted.

B) If not, then use OPTION TWO below.
3. Close the Programs and Features window.



OPTION TWO:
Through Device Manager
NOTE
  This will allow you to uninstall just the device, or both the device and device driver.
1. Open the Control Panel (Classic View).

2. Click on the Device Manager icon.

3. Click on Continue in the UAC prompt.

4. Click on the + sign next to the device you want to uninstall to expand it. (See screenshot below step 5)

5. Right click on the listed device and click on Properties.
NOTE: You can also click on Uninstall and go to step 8 instead.
device_manager.jpg
6. Click on the Driver tab. (See screenshot below step 7)

7. Click on the Uninstall button.
properties.jpg
8. To Uninstall Only the Device -
NOTE: This will only uninstall the device and leave the device driver still installed for the device.
A) Uncheck the Delete the driver software for this device box. (See screenshot below step 9)
NOTE: If you do not have this option, then only the device will be uninstalled. Go to step 10.

B) Click on OK.
NOTE: Sometimes, you may be prompted to restart the computer to finish uninstalling the driver. If you do, then click on Yes to restart the computer.

B) Go to step 10.
9. To Uninstall the Device and Device Driver -
NOTE: This will uninstall both the device and device driver software installed for the device.
A) Check the Delete the driver software for this device box.
NOTE: If you do not have this option, then only the device will be uninstalled. Go to step 10.

B) Click on OK.
NOTE: Sometimes, you may be prompted to restart the computer to finish uninstalling the driver. If you do, then click on Yes to restart the computer.
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10. Device Manager will now no longer have the device listed. (See screenshot below)
device_manager_uninstalled.jpg
11. Close Device Manager. (See screenshot below step 5)
That's it,
Shawn

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Applies to
All Vista Versions
64 Bit & 32 Bit

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