How to Perform a Clean Install - ApertureViewer/Aperture-Viewer GitHub Wiki

A clean install involves completely removing the previous version and its settings/cache files before installing the new version. This is sometimes recommended after major updates or significant settings changes to ensure stability and prevent issues caused by leftover data.

[!WARNING]
Performing steps 3 and 4 below will permanently delete your current Aperture Viewer settings, preferences, and local cache files unless you back them up first!

Clean Install Steps

Step 1: Back Up Your Settings & Chat Logs (Choose ONE Method)

You have two main ways to back up your data before cleaning. Choose the method you are most comfortable with.

Method A: Using the In-Viewer Backup Tool & Manual Chat Log Copy (Recommended for Most Users)

  • Why Choose This? Simpler, uses the viewer's built-in tools for settings, less risk of errors if you're unsure about navigating system folders. Only backs up chat logs if you manually copy them.

  • Backing Up Settings (In-Viewer Tool):

    1. Log into Aperture Viewer before uninstalling.
    2. Go to Preferences → Backup & Restore.
    3. Click Set and choose a safe backup location outside of the standard Aperture settings folders (e.g., in Documents, USB drive). Remember this location!
    4. Click Backup Settings. This saves most global and per-account settings. Note: Chat logs are NOT backed up by this tool.
    5. If you use multiple accounts, log in with each and repeat the backup.

  • Backing Up Chat Logs (Manual Copy):

    1. Locate: Chat logs are usually in %AppData%\ApertureViewer\[avatar_name] folders (Press WinKey+R, type %AppData%). If you set a custom location in Preferences, go there instead.
    2. Copy: Copy the entire avatar-named folder(s) or the .txt files within them to a safe backup location. Do this while the viewer is closed.

Method B: Manual Folder Copy (Alternative for Confident Users)

  • Why Choose This? More comprehensive (backs up everything including all settings and chat logs for all accounts in one go). Requires more technical confidence navigating Windows folders. Carries a higher risk if you copy things back incorrectly later.

  • Backing Up Settings & Logs Folder (Roaming):

    1. Ensure Aperture Viewer is closed.
    2. Press WinKey + R, type %AppData%, and press Enter.
    3. Locate the ApertureViewer folder (or similarly named folder for Aperture).
    4. Copy this entire ApertureViewer folder to a safe backup location (e.g., your Desktop, Documents, USB drive). This single folder contains all your settings and chat logs (if stored in default location) for all accounts used on this PC.

Step 2: Uninstall Previous Aperture Viewer Version

  • Use the standard Windows "Add or remove programs" feature (or Apps & Features) to uninstall your current version of Aperture Viewer.

Step 3: Delete Settings Folder

  • Crucial step for clean install.
  • Press WinKey + R, type %AppData%, and press Enter.
  • Locate and permanently delete the ApertureViewer folder. This is safe IF you backed it up in Step 1.

Step 4: Delete Cache Folder

[!CAUTION] Do NOT skip this step, even if you backed it up.

  • Crucial step for clean install & performance fix.
  • Press WinKey + R, type %LocalAppData%, and press Enter.
  • Locate and permanently delete the ApertureViewer cache folder.

Step 5: Install New Aperture Viewer Version

  • Download the latest installer from the official releases page: Aperture Viewer Releases
  • Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts.

Step 6: (Optional) Restore Your Backup

  • Log into the newly installed Aperture Viewer at least once to allow it to create default folders before restoring. Then close the viewer.

  • If you used Method A (In-Viewer Tool):

    1. Log into Aperture Viewer.
    2. Go to Preferences → Backup & Restore.
    3. Click Set and select your backup location.
    4. Click Restore Settings. Relog when prompted.
    5. To restore chat logs: Manually copy your backed-up avatar folders/log files back into the new %AppData%\ApertureViewer folder.

  • If you used Method B (Manual Folder Copy):

    1. Ensure Aperture Viewer is closed.
    2. Navigate to the new settings folder created by the fresh install (%AppData%\ApertureViewer).
    3. Delete the contents of this new ApertureViewer folder (it will just contain default files).
    4. Navigate to where you backed up the old ApertureViewer folder (from Step 1, Method B).
    5. Copy the entire contents of your backed-up folder into the now-empty new %AppData%\ApertureViewer folder.
    6. DO NOT restore the backed-up cache folder (%LocalAppData%)! Let the viewer create a fresh cache.

By following these steps (especially Steps 3 & 4 for deleting the old folders), you ensure that the new version starts with a completely fresh environment, minimizing potential conflicts from old data. Choose the backup/restore method you are most comfortable with.