Experience shows that you can run into all sorts of problems when attempting to uninstall a program under Windows 95, 98, and Me. When you do want to uninstall a program, what are the different methods and which method might be the best method to use.

BACKUP NOTE:
You should always have a current working backup of your data files and of your Windows Registry.
Removing programs may require registry changes which may accidentally and adversely effect the operation of Windows. Therefore, MAKE A BACKUP, FIRST, before you remove any program using any of the following methods.

1. Delete the Program's files - BAD IDEA!
   There are too may places where an application can keep its program files, registry entries, initialization files, etc.. By simply deleting files you have no idea what kind of damage may occur within Windows or within other applications that may be dependant on related entries.
   
2. Uninstall Programs - Using the program's uninstall procedure. If one exists!
   Quite a few programs offer their own uninstall program that should quickly remove the program from your computer Although a program may be designed for uninstalling these programs simply don't always work or do a complete job.
   Note: You will usually find uninstall routines listed with the application in the Start/ Programs listing, however in some cases you may need to look within the applications program folder or on the installation media such as an installation CD.
   
3. Reinstall the program!
   Sometimes the programs uninstall routine or Window Add/Remove Programs applet may have a problem uninstalling a program. If that occurs you can try reinstalling the program paying close attention to what is installed and where. Once you have reinstalled the program then you can try removing it using its own software or by using Windows Add/Remove Programs.
   
4. Add/Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel. Check here first!
   The Windows Add/Remove Programs applet will do a pretty good job of uninstalling programs from your hard drive. Unless the program you are trying to remove was the last program you installed this still may be your best option. Windows does a fairly good job of tracking of the folders, files(shared, initialization and otherwise), internal application modifications and registry entries for all your installed programs whereas a specific program may only track the specific changes it has made.
   
5. Third-party removal tools. Norton, Clean Sweep, Etc.!
   Third party tools are usually a bit more thorough in removing programs. The trade off between using one of these advanced programs instead of Windows, Add/Remove programs may be in the understanding or confusion in terminology used by the program. What is a registry? What is a .vxd file? What does shared mean? What is an 'orphan'? file. What does it mean I have duplicate files or folders. With Windows the ADD/Remove process is simple and automated.