[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "what%20order%20to%20uninstall%20previous%20JAWS%20including%20shared%20files"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a reliable, step-by-step order to uninstall previous versions of **JAWS** (screen reader) completely\u2014including shared components, files, and registry entries. Follow this in the order listed to avoid leftover files, conflicting versions, or activation issues.\n\n---\n\n### \u2705 Pre-uninstall steps\n\n1. **Backup your serial number or license info**  \n   You\u2019ll need this if you reinstall JAWS later. ([sastltd.zohodesk.eu](https://sastltd.zohodesk.eu/portal/en/kb/articles/recommended-procedure-for-complete-removal-of-jaws?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Log in as an administrator**  \n   Some files and registry entries only require admin privileges to delete.  \n\n3. **Disable antivirus and User Account Control (temporarily, if possible)**  \n   Prevents security software from locking files or blocking uninstallation steps. ([sastltd.zohodesk.eu](https://sastltd.zohodesk.eu/portal/en/kb/articles/recommended-procedure-for-complete-removal-of-jaws?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### \ud83d\udd27 Uninstall in this order\n\n| Step | What to Uninstall / Remove | Why & Additional Details |\n|---|-----------------------------|--------------------------|\n| **1** | Use *Programs & Features* (or *Settings \u2192 Installed apps* on Windows 10/11) to uninstall **JAWS**, selecting the option **with shared components** if you want to fully clean out everything. Then **reboot**. ([sastltd.zohodesk.eu](https://sastltd.zohodesk.eu/portal/en/kb/articles/recommended-procedure-for-complete-removal-of-jaws?utm_source=openai)) | Removes the core program and shared components among any versions/Freedom Scientific products. A reboot helps clear locked files. |\n| **2** | In *Programs & Features*, uninstall any **remaining Freedom Scientific** items (for example, older JAWS components, uninstaller tools, supplementary software) that are still present. ([sastltd.zohodesk.eu](https://sastltd.zohodesk.eu/portal/en/kb/articles/recommended-procedure-for-complete-removal-of-jaws?utm_source=openai)) | Ensures no stray programs are left over that might interfere later. |\n| **3** | Remove **Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables** that were specifically installed by JAWS versions (e.g. 2005, 2010, 2013, 2015\u20132017), if you plan to reinstall. Skip removing ones needed by other software. ([sastltd.zohodesk.eu](https://sastltd.zohodesk.eu/portal/en/kb/articles/recommended-procedure-for-complete-removal-of-jaws?utm_source=openai)) | Some shared runtime files can cause version conflicts. Be careful\u2014other programs might need them. |\n| **4** | Manually delete the following **folders** and their contents: <br> \u2022 `C:\\Program Files\\Freedom Scientific` <br> \u2022 `C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Freedom Scientific` <br> \u2022 `C:\\ProgramData\\Freedom Scientific` ([sastltd.zohodesk.eu](https://sastltd.zohodesk.eu/portal/en/kb/articles/recommended-procedure-for-complete-removal-of-jaws?utm_source=openai)) | These folders typically contain program files and shared components. |\n| **5** | Remove **registry entries** for Freedom Scientific / JAWS:<br> \u2022 `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Freedom Scientific` <br> \u2022 `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Freedom Scientific` <br> \u2022 `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\WOW6432Node\\Freedom Scientific` <br> Use a PowerShell or Registry Editor with elevated permissions. ([sastltd.zohodesk.eu](https://sastltd.zohodesk.eu/portal/en/kb/articles/recommended-procedure-for-complete-removal-of-jaws?utm_source=openai)) | Cleans out settings and associations. |\n\n---\n\n### \u26a0\ufe0f Optional but recommended\n\n- **Delete user settings files (optional)**  \n  If you want a truly clean reinstall, remove custom settings: scripts, user profiles in `%APPDATA%\\Freedom Scientific\\JAWS\\<version>\\Settings` etc. If you plan to reuse them, back them up. ([mail-archive.com](https://www.mail-archive.com/jaws-users-list%40jaws-users.com/msg79906.html?utm_source=openai))\n\n- **Reboot again**  \n  After registry cleanup, reboot to finalize removal of in-use resources and ensure a clean state.  \n\n---\n\nWith these steps completed, your system should be free of prior JAWS versions and all shared components, ready for a fresh install or switching to another screen reader. If you need instructions tailored for your particular Windows version or a specific JAWS version, I can pull those up too."
    }
]