I am seeking to make a fresh start with Arduino following some problems in my last project. My object is to remove Arduino from my PC so completely that there is no trace that it was ever there, then reinstall using the latest version. The Forum has provided instructions on which files to delete after an uninstall (and where to find them), but is a little vague on cleaning up the Registry - a step I am advised is essential to remove the last traces.
Bearing in mind that I know zilch about Registry, and that my dealings with it have always involved a bargepole and a bucket of commercial disinfectant , I really need some step-by-step here. Would someone please either provide me with same, or direct me to same.
It turns out that the secret to eliminating Registry references to Arduino is the key.
Under advice I followed the following algorithm to do a clean uninstall:
1. Uninstall Arduino using Control Panel --> Uninstall a program
2. Open Regedit using Start --> regedit (Run command) --> Yes
3. Press <F3>
4. Enter 'arduino' in the text box and click 'Find next'
5. RMC --> Delete whatever the search highlights
6. Press <F3>
7. Repeat from 5 until the search gives up
8. Reboot PC
9. Repeat from 2 to check
10. Quit when nothing found
AFAIK this has left me with a PC which does not even know that Arduino exists - which was the object of the exercise.
The FREE "Wise registry cleaner" does a good job also without the need to trawl through the registry.
"REVO uninstaller" also does an exceptional job of clean up and removal too.
They are my GOTO for swapping IDE's and clean ups of other programs.
Be aware that if you use CREATE as an IDE there are additional directories and clean up to take into account.
Removal of the regular IDE without attention can disable CREATE requiring another install.
Just because it says ARDUINO doesn't mean its the regular IDE.
Even an "unzipped" copy of the IDE will also leave traces in the registry regardless of what anyone says.
The paths are kept along with a few other things.
If anyone doesn't believe that then try running an unzipped version on a clean machine and then do a reg scan for "arduino".
Also check your "roaming" profile too under windows as its not uncommon to also find Arduino related items in there as well.
It is worth noting that, when I installed a new version of Arduino, the Sketchbook location in the new version was the same as the (non-default) location in the old version. So, despite my best efforts, some traces of the old installation still existed.
, I really need some step-by-step here. Would someone please either provide me with same, or direct me to same.