View Full Version : Removing unwanted software
alik001
Feb 28, 2005, 09:52 AM
There some software remains that are not removable with the window install/remove module and thre are other programs that do not appear in the install/remove at all and they do not have their own uninstall option. How do I get rid of these unwanted software?
Thanks
ScottGem
Feb 28, 2005, 11:06 AM
It really depends on the software itself. Each application needs to be treated differently. The best I can suggest is to contact the authors for removal instructions.
alik001
Feb 28, 2005, 01:40 PM
I Know that there special programs that are sort of generic. Do you know about one called (whatelse... ) - REMOVE?
ScottGem
Feb 28, 2005, 02:24 PM
There are some removal program, but generally they work by logging your installation and then reversing that based on the log. In other words, they have to be installed BEFORE the instalation to work.
walt17
Feb 28, 2005, 04:52 PM
What do you mean by "software remains"? Most/all uninstall programs will leave files behind. That's because they don't know what is shared with other programs. It's safer to leave them alone. If you want to get rid of them you can delete them manually. Rename them first, then monitor your computer for awhile. After you are sure everything is working normally, delete them.
Programs not in the install/remove list can be deleted manually. If you aren't sure what they are, use the rename and monitor method first.
This method of removal only gets rid of the files, not the registry tracks. You will have to do that manually (it's tedius) or buy a registry cleaner.