How to properly uninstall content without a uninstaller
dbdigital2
Posts: 270
Hello all,
I know that DAZ has a content manager system/database, but my question is how do you properly remove items you longer want that do not have uninstallers. For example you downloaded some clothing that looked a lot better in the photo than when you actually got it on the figure. You hate it and want to totally remove it. Is there a easy way to do this?
I see there is a content DB editor, is that where it is done? I tried deleting something from the content library but it does not appear to remove the geometry as well so I must be missing something.
Of course another option would be to get out the original package, examine the zip and go on a search and destroy mission. But I assume there is a easier/better way than that?
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Comments
I'm afraid not, unless you installed with DAZ Install Manager or an unarchiving program that creates an uninstall script..
Content, unlike programs, doesn't do anything to Windows itself, so unless it came from an exe that the creator of was kind enough to turn on the 'make uninstall script' and you left it in the default locations, it's all treated like any other data file...you don't need an uninstaller to get rid of that damn cat picture your wife's sister sent and is now the wallpaper when you log on...you just delete it and you're done.
And on a slightly different note...most of the time when something differs greatly from it's promo pics, it's because it's material settings are wrong...like loading the Poser materials in DS. Or not knowing/having the same lighting set up as was used in the promo. I've always thought that all the promo pics should include at least a front and side shot, in a standard pose (t-pose or arms down), against a light blue or grey back drop, lit by a distant light, no shadows. And maybe a 'clay'/AO render, too.
Yes I realize I can zap via windows explorer, I thought perhaps that if I delete one aspect that perhaps DS had the ablity to "clean up" any bits I missed. If It knows where everything is linked, seems like it should be able to remove it too, at least that was my original thought. I know with the DAZ installer you can easily remove it, but of course a lot of available content does not come though the DAZ installer.
And yes I realize that the promo being different would have been a error on the creators part. I haven't seen the said situation yet, it was just a example. But I am sure that all of us have downloaded something and later went "ugh this is just not working out, I will never use this" and want to get rid of it. But looks like it is just a search and destroy mission with DS if it doesn't come via the DAZ installer.. Really surprises me there isn't a better method.
Simply re-install it to an empty dummy folder. Use the dummy folder as a reference to search your real content folder for the installed files then nuke them. Finally delete the the contents of the dummy folder, or the dummy folder all together.
having gone through this all I can say is external hard drives are cheap these days
install all your content from DIM to a new one
I made a right mess of mine trying to remove Daz content leaving only 3rd party, lost a lot of stuff not in my order history from the archive freebies and cnet by deleting anything under "Daz" folders
running DIM to then uninstall just created lots of duplicates!
which only got unistalled
Ouch Wendy, sorry to hear that. I am keeping backups of the packaged files just in case. I never trust a company to "always" have my content. Glitches happen sadly. :/
Jest, yes that is the method I mentioned with regard to 'search and destroy'. But like I said, I assumed that there must be a easier way, guess not lol. Glad I asked!
As Content is really only Data files there will not be a uninstall for them unless a person goes out of their way to create a uninstall file. DIM has a built in File tracker (Database) so it can just undo what it did by reversing its install steps. A very Ambitious file programmer could write a universal install program that did the same thing. But then you would need to keep a database for it as well and could only uninstall files it installed. IF used for ALL content that would work.
Back when the content came as an exe, it was easy to have an uninstall script...because all the exe really was, was a self-extracting zip and a script saying where to put things. The DIM now handles the extracting and placing part...so if it keeps track, then it's easy to remove. If it doesn't...then it's 'hunt and destroy'.
I know My Friend and I even know how to write a BAT file to uninstall content as long as I have the file names and paths to work with. A universal install program that kept the File names and Install paths for any ZIP it executed could be written. The Program would not be needed for EXE files as most do include the System Uninstall creation code. If I was a better Database creator I could probably code one that called a free ZIP utility, wrote to A temp file to gather file names then asked the User for the install Path or paths, which would then be converted to the Proper code saved in a Database for the Program to use when the user wished to remove the files. If I wanted to go deeper into it the Output from the Installer could even be a Proper MS compliant OR Mac OS uninstaller with the correct Registry flags and all.
But I have not written Code for Windows in some 15 to twenty years now and I'm sure it would take at least a year for me to get my skills back to a level that a program like this would require to write properly. At this time I'm still arguing with the SDK for another project and failing at it. To me Proper Code was simpler than Scripting. But as a ex-coder I do see the possibility of such a program being written. It just will not be done by me as I no longer have a love affair with coding in my blood. I like to visit from time to time but I'm not ready to get married to it again at this time.