Whether you’re reinstalling, switching systems, or simply cleaning up your workspace, fully uninstalling specialized software like SAMSON can sometimes be more than a simple drag-and-drop. Many users in molecular modeling mention lingering files or confusion regarding leftover directories, settings, or shortcuts. If you’re looking for a complete guide to uninstalling SAMSON, this post will walk you through the process on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Why Uninstall Thoroughly?
When you uninstall SAMSON, especially prior to reinstallation or troubleshooting issues, it’s best to ensure that all associated files are removed. Otherwise, you might end up with residual settings or conflicts that can cause unexpected behavior later. Each operating system stores data a little differently, so the approach varies depending on your platform.
For Windows Users 🪟
Delete the following directories:
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C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom C:/Users/%USERNAME%/AppData/Local/OneAngstrom C:/Users/%USERNAME%/Documents/OneAngstrom |
Also remove associated shortcuts:
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C:/Users/%USERNAME%/Desktop/SAMSON* C:/Users/%USERNAME%/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Windows/Start Menu/Programs/SAMSON* |
Optionally, to remove registry settings, open Registry Editor (regedit) and delete:
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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\OneAngstrom HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\NANO-D |
Note: Only edit the registry if you’re confident about it. Always back it up beforehand.
For Linux Users 🐧
Use the following terminal commands to remove SAMSON files and configurations:
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rm -rf ${HOME}/OneAngstrom/ rm -rf ${HOME}/.local/share/OneAngstrom rm -rf ${HOME}/.local/share/applications/SAMSON.desktop rm -rf ${HOME}/.config/OneAngstrom # Contains preferences, optional to delete |
For macOS Users 🍎
Manually delete these directories and files in Finder or using a terminal:
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rm -rf $HOME/Applications/SAMSON*.app rm -rf $HOME/Documents/OneAngstrom rm -rf $HOME/OneAngstrom rm -rf $HOME/.OneAngstrom rm -rf "$HOME/Library/Application Support/OneAngstrom" rm -rf "$HOME/Library/Preferences/com.oneangstrom.*" |
Tip: If you’re planning to reinstall, you can leave the configuration folders intact to retain preferences.
Should You Uninstall Before Updating?
No need! SAMSON manages updates for both itself and its extensions, and will prompt you to remove older versions when needed. However, if something seems off or you’re installing a previous version, a complete uninstall might help reset everything.
For more details or OS-specific nuances, refer to the full documentation at SAMSON FAQ.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download the latest version at https://www.samson-connect.net.