The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) test server, also known as the Public Test Server (PTS), is a fantastic way for players to experience upcoming content, test new features, and provide valuable feedback to the developers. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall the ESO test server, whether it’s to free up space on your computer, resolve technical issues, or simply because you’re no longer interested in testing.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of uninstalling the ESO test server, covering the different methods and potential issues you may encounter along the way.
Pre-Uninstallation Checklist
Before you begin the uninstallation process, it’s essential to take a few precautions to ensure a smooth and successful removal of the ESO test server.
Save Your Progress (If Possible)
If you’ve made significant progress on the test server, you may want to consider saving your progress before uninstalling. However, please note that progress on the test server is not transferable to the live game, and any characters or items you’ve created will be lost once the test server is uninstalled.
Close the ESO Test Server Client
Make sure the ESO test server client is closed before attempting to uninstall. You can do this by clicking on the “Exit” button in the game’s main menu or by closing the client window.
Disable Any Overlays or Third-Party Software
If you’re using any overlays or third-party software, such as Discord or FRAPS, disable them before uninstalling the ESO test server. These programs may interfere with the uninstallation process or cause issues with your computer.
Method 1: Uninstalling the ESO Test Server through the Control Panel
The most straightforward way to uninstall the ESO test server is through the Control Panel on your Windows computer.
Windows 10 and 8.1
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Control Panel.”
- Click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10) or “Uninstall a program” (in Windows 8.1).
- Locate the “The Elder Scrolls Online Test Server” entry in the list of installed programs.
- Click on the entry to select it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Windows 7
- Click on the Start button and select “Control Panel.”
- Click on “Programs and Features.”
- Locate the “The Elder Scrolls Online Test Server” entry in the list of installed programs.
- Click on the entry to select it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Method 2: Uninstalling the ESO Test Server through the ESO Launcher
Alternatively, you can uninstall the ESO test server through the ESO launcher.
Launching the ESO Launcher
- Open the ESO launcher on your computer.
- Click on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear) in the top-right corner of the launcher window.
- Select “Uninstall” from the drop-down menu.
Selecting the Test Server for Uninstallation
- In the “Uninstall” window, select the “The Elder Scrolls Online Test Server” entry from the list of installed games.
- Click the “Uninstall” button to begin the uninstallation process.
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Method 3: Manually Uninstalling the ESO Test Server
If the above methods don’t work, you may need to manually uninstall the ESO test server.
Locating the ESO Test Server Installation Folder
- Open the File Explorer on your computer.
- Navigate to the folder where the ESO test server is installed (usually “C:\Program Files (x86)\Zenimax Online\The Elder Scrolls Online Test Server”).
- Delete the entire folder and all its contents.
Removing ESO Test Server Registry Entries
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following registry key: “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Zenimax Online\The Elder Scrolls Online Test Server.”
- Delete the entire registry key and all its subkeys.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During the uninstallation process, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Unable to Uninstall the ESO Test Server
- Make sure the ESO test server client is closed before attempting to uninstall.
- Try restarting your computer and then attempting to uninstall again.
- If you’re using any overlays or third-party software, disable them before uninstalling.
ESO Test Server Folders and Files Remain After Uninstallation
- Manually delete the ESO test server installation folder and all its contents.
- Remove any remaining ESO test server registry entries.
Conclusion
Uninstalling the ESO test server is a relatively straightforward process, but it may require some technical know-how. By following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully remove the ESO test server from your computer. Remember to save your progress (if possible), close the ESO test server client, and disable any overlays or third-party software before uninstalling. If you encounter any issues during the uninstallation process, refer to the troubleshooting section for solutions.
What is the ESO Test Server and why would I want to uninstall it?
The ESO Test Server is a separate version of the Elder Scrolls Online game that allows players to test new content and features before they are released to the live game. While it can be exciting to try out new things, the test server can also take up space on your computer and may cause conflicts with the live game.
If you’re no longer interested in testing new content or need to free up space on your computer, uninstalling the test server is a good idea. Additionally, if you’re experiencing issues with the live game, uninstalling the test server may help resolve them.
Will uninstalling the ESO Test Server affect my live game account?
No, uninstalling the ESO Test Server will not affect your live game account. The test server is a separate entity from the live game, and uninstalling it will not delete any of your live game characters, progress, or account information.
You can safely uninstall the test server without worrying about losing any of your live game data. However, if you have any characters or progress on the test server, they will be deleted when you uninstall it.
How do I uninstall the ESO Test Server on a Windows computer?
To uninstall the ESO Test Server on a Windows computer, go to the Control Panel and click on “Programs and Features.” Find the ESO Test Server in the list of installed programs and click on it. Then, click the “Uninstall” button to begin the uninstallation process.
Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation. You may be asked to confirm that you want to uninstall the program, and you may need to restart your computer when the process is complete.
How do I uninstall the ESO Test Server on a Mac computer?
To uninstall the ESO Test Server on a Mac computer, go to the Applications folder and find the ESO Test Server application. Drag the application to the Trash and then empty the Trash to delete it.
Alternatively, you can use the “Uninstall” option in the ESO Test Server application itself. To do this, open the application and click on the “Uninstall” button in the menu. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
What if I’m having trouble uninstalling the ESO Test Server?
If you’re having trouble uninstalling the ESO Test Server, try restarting your computer and then attempting to uninstall it again. You can also try using a third-party uninstaller program to help remove the program.
If you’re still having trouble, you can contact the Elder Scrolls Online support team for assistance. They may be able to provide additional guidance or help you resolve any issues that are preventing you from uninstalling the test server.
Will I be able to reinstall the ESO Test Server if I need to in the future?
Yes, you can reinstall the ESO Test Server if you need to in the future. To do this, go to the Elder Scrolls Online website and follow the instructions for downloading and installing the test server.
Keep in mind that you will need to have a valid Elder Scrolls Online account and meet the system requirements for the test server in order to reinstall it.
Are there any other steps I need to take after uninstalling the ESO Test Server?
After uninstalling the ESO Test Server, you may want to delete any remaining files or folders associated with the program. You can do this by going to the folder where the test server was installed and deleting any remaining files or folders.
Additionally, you may want to restart your computer to ensure that any changes take effect. This can help prevent any conflicts or issues with the live game or other programs on your computer.