Copyright © 2008-2014 Future Technology Devices International Limited
32
Document Reference No.: FT_000073
Advanced Driver Options AN_107 Application Note
AN_107 Version 2.53
Clearance No.: FTDI# 63
12
Uninstalling Drivers
With the release of Microsoft Windows Vista, the FTDI uninstaller has been rendered unusable due
to Windows Resource Protection preventing the executable from deleting driver files and
associated registry values. Vista will only allow the system itself to modify files and registry values
in these locations.
Consequently, a new method for uninstalling has to be used. Devices can be removed using the
Device Manager by simply right-clicking and selecting "Uninstall". This will delete the associated
registry entries for that device only. Vista provides an automatic method to delete driver files via a
check box to "Delete the driver software for this device" on the uninstall dialog box.
Figure 12.1 Confirm Device Uninstall
Some points to note about the new uninstallation method:
In the case of FT2232 devices, a composite device is also installed. This can also be
removed by right-clicking and selecting "Uninstall". There is no option the delete the driver
files when doing this as the driver for the composite device is a native Windows driver.
If the VCP driver has been installed, the COM port driver should be removed before the
bus driver. If the bus is removed first, the COM port will no longer appear in the Device
Manager.
If the files are deleted while other installed devices still require them those devices will not
work correctly. This can be fixed by right clicking the device and selecting "Reinstall
Driver" which will replace the missing files.
If a device to be uninstalled is not connected to the PC, the device can still be removed by
setting the device manager to show phantom devices
. This can also allow a virtual COM
port to be uninstalled if the bus layer has been removed first.
Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 do not have this check box, so driver files and OEM INF and
PNF files must be removed manually or by using a custom application. The FTDI Uninstall Utility,
FTClean
may still be used on these operating systems.
Copyright © 2008-2014 Future Technology Devices International Limited
33
Document Reference No.: FT_000073
Advanced Driver Options AN_107 Application Note
AN_107 Version 2.53
Clearance No.: FTDI# 63
13
Contact Information
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