can't uninstall Netscape 7.0

I'm using Win98 on an IBM Thinkpad i series 1400 laptop, and downloaded Netscape 7.0 yesterday in an effort to be compatible with a PDA device I have. (I currently use AOL as my mail client, which is not compatible with the device). Anyway, after downloading Netscape 7.0, I discovered that the PDA only supports versions of Netscape 4.x, and nothing above that.
I tried to uninstall 7.0 so I could try to install version 4.78 instead, and used the Control Panel add/remove programs utility. The utility did not remove the program. The icons are still on my desktop and in my taskbar, but when I call up add/remove programs, Netscape has disappeared from the list. What could have caused this?

By the way, the icons are still active...the program runs just like it did before I "removed" it.

 

artchik,

Welcome to the board! First of all, you can run Netscape 7 and 4.xx at the same time. 7 is not an update to 4.xx. That said, follow the directions listed here. They are for performing a clean install, but follow them until it says to reinstall. Basically, there are probably some registry keys that need to be deleted. If that doesn't help, post back.

Mike

 

Thanks so much, Mike, and I appreciate the warm welcome too. I will try your instructions. I'd love to have both 7.0 and 4.78 on this 'puter, but just don't have enough memory on the tiny 2GB HD. Maybe if I can figure out how to add memory, I will put 7.0 back on at a later date. I sure liked what I saw of it.

 

artchik,

You're welcome! If adding a hard drive (I think that's what you want, not memory) to a laptop is like adding to a desktop, it's pretty easy. Just a matter of 4 screws, a power connection, and a ribbon connector. If you get to that point and need help, give a holler and somebody will help you out.

Mike

 

Yes, Mike, I really meant adding a hard drive. Thanks for the offer of help. Since my laptop is portable I might just run that over to a computer shop and have it professionally done--though I would like to learn to be more self-sufficient.

One question about the link you sent me about removing Netscape 7.0, though: In the instructions, one of the steps listed is to remove the application through "add/remove ". That function would not work on my computer, as Netscape does not show up in the add/remove window. I did find the "uninstall" icon in one of the Netscape folders, but clicking on it also did not remove the application. I deleted the entire Netscape folder, but am afraid to empty my recycle bin, and am also terrified to delete the registry keys that are listed in the instructions. Right now I'm kind of like a deer stuck in the headlights (being from Minnesota I thought you'd be able to relate to that, hee hee)

I guess I need a little guidance how to proceed: empty recycle bin? Leave the registry alone and just go ahead and try to load 4.78?

 

artchik,

Right now, they're probably more frozen from cold temps then stuck in headlights! They'll probably jump in front of cars now just to warm up!!

When you open your Recycle Bin, what do you find? If there is just Netscape items in there, go ahead and empty away. If you want to leave them there for awhile and make sure that everything is okay, go ahead. Nothing hurt by doing that.

For the registry, just follow the instructions and you will be fine. To be safe, you can backup your registry before changing anything. Here are Microsofts instructions for backing up your registry. If you are still not comfortable, which is understandable, just leave the entries and install 4.78. They can run separately, so you won't have any problems having the registry keys in there. I'm sure you'll do just fine though.

I'll do some looking about upgrading your hard drive and we'll see if you can save yourself some money. Of course, if the install isn't that much, go ahead and let them do it. Adding a second hard drive was the second thing that I did to my computer. Right after adding more RAM. Both were very easy upgrades.

Mike

 

Once again, thank you for your help. I am downloading Netscape 4.79 right now, and have emptied the recycle bin without fear. My dialup connection means a 3-hour download time, so I won't be fooling with the registry until tomorrow. I do plan on diving into the project with both feet, though.

Stay warm. I'm in the Chicago area, and I thought it was bad here until I heard about the wind chills you poor folks are enduring. I'm surprised you can even type anymore.

 

artchik,

Boy, I remember those days. The cable connection is nice, but Charter just informed me that it is going up about $20 a month. I hate to go to a slower cable speed, but I might not have a choice. I just love it when they add that they are trying so hard to keep costs down.

Enjoy 4.79 and just make sure that you double check all registry entries before you start deleting. Don't want to get the wrong one.

Too cold to type? No problem. The blow torch is still cutting thru the frost and ice pretty good! Just last night, my finger froze to the keyboard. Ended up with a long post of just a's! After wind chills of -30 to -45, todays 17 degrees felt rather balmy. Was actually warm enough to snow a little. Not sure which I'd rather have, snow or ice age temps! You stay warm, and out of the wind, too!

By the way, what's the model of your Thinkpad? I was looking for info on upgrading your hard drive.

Mike

 

Mike, your helpfulness is really appreciated.

After that excruciating download yesterday, I tried to install 4.79 and was unable to...I received an error message: "this file is not the correct size, or is corrupt, and is unusable ". So, I will try to download again tonight. I guess I'll try to delete the 7.0 registry entries before going through the download rigamarole again.

As far as the info on my laptop, I have an IBM Thinkpad I Series 1452, 366mhz Celeron processor, 14.1TFT (whatever that means), 64MB RAM, 4GB hard drive (partitioned into a C and D drive--C drive uses FAT file system, D drive is FAT 32) Win 98OS. I hope that helps.

I'm researching DSL availability in my area.

--C-C-C-C-C-C-arol

 

Carol,

Sorry to hear about the failed download. Where did you download from? I usually use the Netscape site and haven't had any problems with that. If you have any problems the next time, email me at minnesotamike@charter.net . I think I may have a possible solution.

Do me a favor and take a look at this page. I can't seem to find your Thinkpad listed at IBM. Double check the model number and let me know what you find. Thanks!

Mike

 

Mike:
You are like a dog with a bone, not letting go of this problem till it's solved. The IBM link was very helpful. Below are the results of a system scan performed at the link you sent me:

System details

Machine Type/Model 2611-452

Serial Number AADNY6Z

BIOS Version Element 'EG_BIOS_INFORMATION' Not Found

Operating System Windows 98

Operating System version 4.10.1998

Total Memory 0 MB (wha?!)

I was finally able to successfully download and install Netscape 4.79. Whew, what an ordeal. I'll bet you're as glad as I am about that! I don't know what the problem was....maybe a hiccup during the download. I can't remember exactly where I got the download from...I found it through Google, because Netscape.com seemed only to be offering 7.0. Anyway, many many thanks for all the time you've put into this problem of mine. I am so grateful for all your assistance.

 

Hi artchik / Mike

Please book mark this site. When your looking for any Netscape version from 3.0 to the most current, you'll find it here. Including versions for Mac's, Linux, and IMB OS/Warp 4.

 

Dennis,

Thanks for the link. I do have Sillydog bookmarked, but usually end up at Netscape's archived product page.


Carol,

Ruff, ruff! Thanks for the system details, it's just what I needed. No memory?! I find that hard to believe. On the Netscape site, you have to go to thier Archived Products page, linked above. From there, you can get all the versions before 7. For future reference since you've got 4.79 working.

I found the info on your hard drive replacement. When you're ready to make that move, you can look through the Hardware Maintenance Manual to see what's involved. On page 189 is a picture of what is involved. Pages 149-157 will give you step-by-step instructions, with pictures. IBM makes everything sound alittle difficult, but trust me, it isn't as bad as they make it out to be. I have complete confidence that you can do it. After upgrading your hard drive, you may want to download this manual to your drive. I have downloaded the ones for my systems just so I have them ready to go without having to download again. Just a personal preference. All the info for your model number is found in part 2 of the manaul.

Enjoy and post back with any questions. I was/am glad to help any way I can! For now, I'll consider the bone buried.

Mike

 

Mike (and Dennis too!)

I can't thank you enough for all the handholding and step by step info you have provided me. You have been of immeasurable help during this. I will be forever grateful.

And hey--if you ever need any help baking biscotti, making bead necklaces or gardening--I'm your gal. Just ask!

--Carol

 

Carol,

You're welcome and I'm glad to help! Next time I make it to Chicago, I'll stop by for some biscotti!

Mike

 

Your welcome

Hey, you and Mike did all the work... and I still get free cooking lesson's... After this week's cold snap (central Wisconsin) I'll settle for warm beer.