Uninstalling / Reinstalling CrashPlan

Overview

If you are reformatting a hard drive, upgrading your operating system, or setting up a new computer, you will need to uninstall and reinstall CrashPlan.

Before You Begin

  • You need to uninstall CrashPlan before you reinstall it.

How It Works - Standard Uninstall

Each platform uses a different for uninstalling.

Platform Uninstall Process
Windows Use Microsoft's Add / Remove Programs
Mac Open the CrashPlan installer's disk image (dmg) and double-click Uninstall.
The uninstaller runs in Terminal and prompts you to enter your system password.
LinuxRun the uninstall script located in the CrashPlan/bin directory.

Considerations

:!: Important: If you have backup data stored on the computer, the uninstaller asks you whether or not you'd like to delete backup data. Be sure to read the prompt carefully to avoid accidentally removing data. In most cases, you want to retain the backup data.

How It Works - Remove CrashPlan Completely

In a normal uninstall, CrashPlan retains a small amount of information so CrashPlan can “remember” that computer when you reinstall. This is called the CrashPlan identity.

Generally, you only want to remove the identity if CrashPlan Support instructs you to do so. Some users may want to completely remove CrashPlan if they will no longer be using CrashPlan on that computer.

  1. Follow the Standard Uninstall process
  2. Remove the following directory from your system:
    • Mac (standard installation): /Library/Application Support/CrashPlan
    • Mac (custom installation “as user”): ~/Library/Application Support/CrashPlan
    • Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\CrashPlan
    • Windows 7: C:\Users\All Users\CrashPlan
    • Linux: /var/lib/crashplan

How It Works - Reinstall CrashPlan

After you have successfully uninstalled, you can reinstall CrashPlan.

  1. Download the latest version from Download
  2. Run the installer.
  3. Once the installation is complete, choose existing account on the login screen and enter your CrashPlan account info.
  4. If you have a CrashPlan+ license, you'll need to re-enter the license under Settings > Account.