How to forum: How to remove Webshots and/or Smile from my PC?

After three weeks, I finally got a response from Smile. They suggested I install Smile and then remove it using the Control Panel. I installed it but when I went to uninstall it, it said it would delete all components. So now my question is, will it also remove my files that I associated with Webshots so it could display pictures that I've taken, or pictures from other websites on the internet, not pictures just from Webshots. I would be really upset if I lost all my pictures.

Thanks for the suggestion of using Webshots and just not updating it. That's what I'll do after getting this Smile situation resolved. It's certainly not making me Smile.
Thanks for your help, morlaine

Generally, uninstalling a program never deletes things you MADE using that program. It only removes what was put on your PC during the install.

But it won't harm at all to make a copy of thos pics you don't want to lose before you uninstall that program.

In fact, they should already be on your regular backup. That is for the simple reason that if your hard disk crashes you lose them if you don't have a copy elsewhere. Don't you make backups?

Kees

I haven't exactly figured out how to make backups except by just copying individual folders. Guess I should pursue that with more vigor.
Thanks for the suggestion. morlaine

Copying individual folders is a good start, especially if it includes folders like your My Documents or My Pictures.

For a more advanced - and still free - option, see Microsofts Synctoy. Shouldn't be too difficult. Be sure that backup copy is on another disk or at another PC in your home network.

Kees

It's quite easy to find, just DOWNLOAD SYNCTOY in Google: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=15155

Kees

When I search for any of these items, nothing shows up however I have located the webshots supplant folder in my C drive and removed it and all the contents. However, when I restart my computer the pop up continues to appear asking if I want to re-try and install the program. I have done this repeatedly, even emptying my recycling bin but can't get rid of it. It doesn't show up under add/remove programs or any searches. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hmmm...... strange.
See if you missed something in this:
Search... all files and folders .... make sure that both 'looking in hidden folders' and 'looking in system files and folders' are both selected.
Delete anything with 'webshots' 'supplant' or 'smile' in the title (unless, of course, it's obviously unrelated)
(... and only do it after you've found your pics and moved them elsewhere).

Make sure you delete the entry that's found in the prefetch folder. If you don't get that one, it will come back. Reboot. Search again. If you now find nothing, you should be clean and can install an old version of webshots as discussed.... and never ever go to Help/ Software updates.

If it still comes back, try the additional options I listed at the end here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/wscommunity/discuss/72157631865562131/

I hope that helps..
... Rick

Sorry this is too complicated for me... I'm using Windows 7 - where do I click hidden folders and system files and folders? And I don't know what the prefetch folder is.

Marcy

I installed Smile, then uninstalled it through the Control Panel, then installed an old version of Webshots off the internet. But everytime I started the laptop, Smile tried to update Webshots. I then uninstalled Webshots and then installed it again. The same problem with Smile. Then I uninstalled Webshots again, using Windows Explorer I deleted everything that said Webshots or Smile. Then I installed Webshots again, and still the same problem with Smile. BTW, I re-booted between all these steps. Then I uninstalled Webshots, and all files in Windows Explorer, again. Then I did regedit on the registry file and removed the references to Webshots/Smile. I re-installed Webshots, same problem with Smile. Then by doing Ctl/Alt/Del and opening Task Manager, I found where the Smile process was running and I highlighted it, did a right click and selected Open File Location. It opened it in a Temporary folder. I deleted it and finally, no more problems with Smile. If nothing else, I am persistent. Problem solved and now I'm able to use Webshots offline as you suggested. Thanks for the help and suggestions, morlaine

Sorry it was so problematic... .here's more info here:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/wscommunity/discuss/72157631865562131/

I get as far as the login screen, but can't get past that (says login and password wrong). Are we all out of luck?

Hmmm.... I hadn't seen a login.... I'm guessing there are newer and older versions of WebshotsDesktopSetup.exe (?) One safe solution would be just to use the older version wbsamp5.exe ... which is readily available as a download.