How to Uninstall a program in Windows

Just spend a few minutes on Google with the keyword "Uninstall" to realize the difficulties faced by many of you deal with the removal of certain software for your computers. Some have even made a great reputation in the field. To assist in this process, we propose a case based on three points, while giving you a brief overview of the theoretical principle of installation and uninstall, with all that implies for your computer. Sensitive cases concerning the removal "by hand" will also be discussed, telling you step by step how to clean your PC effectively. Finally, we will recommend some free software or not, you will ensure effective removal, acting on the registry for example.

Why there is not a program to uninstall?

The difficulties encountered to remove some software have originated from three sources:

• ignorance of some users who do not make a proper procedure, removing files manually without trial;
• weaknesses in the Windows tool, which is sometimes unable to completely remove an application;
• software themselves, finally, who are sometimes poorly designed and require exaggerated efforts to be eradicated from your hard drives.

That is why we must first of all to abide by certain rules, but it also happens to have to place the hands dirty.

The principle of an installation an uninstallation

What will happen when you install a program on your hard drive? Since you started the process, several elements are in place. First, the program installs of course all the files it needs to operate, such as libraries and the executable file. This process often uses the Program Files directory (or Programs in Vista) by default, unless you specify another location, but some files may also be placed on file systems, especially in the case of the drivers.

The program also places items in the registry (which should more accurately called "the Register") which will allow Windows to know everything about the program, how it should be launched, the location of executable file or some settings ... Most of the time, then it has one or more shortcuts in the Start menu in Windows on the desktop or in the Quick Launch. This option is often offered when you install a program, with the option to disable it.

It is not uncommon for software to define themselves to Windows they will be executed at the start of Windows. It is sometimes possible to disable this option, but it is not always the case. Many applications also install items in the folder of the user, often in hidden folders (such as the AppData folder in Windows Vista). Finally, be careful not to install more components than necessary, toolbars Google or Yahoo! Sometimes interfering in the installation of some software. Again, check boxes may be present to disable them but they are not always in the heat of the action.

Let's see how does a uninstall via the Windows tool. This will first look for the module dedicated often associated with the program to remove (in the directory under names such as uninstall.exe or unwize.exe). This will, in theory, to erase all traces of the software, making the inverse of a facility. It rises from the Start menu, the registry, the folder in which he is now and possibly in place shortcuts on the desktop. Alas, this module may not be as effective as expected, and you have probably already read a message like "Some files have been deleted. Please delete them manually." Similarly, some software trainer leave voluntarily files or registry keys to anticipate a possible relocation. Therefore, a more complete cleaning than that produced by these tools is sometimes.

The effects on the registry

As we can see, the installation of a program has an effect on the registry, which lists all the items related to the software in question: files associated with it, location, shortcut, windows settings for this application ... A large number of parameters that must be stored in order to run the program according to your settings. It becomes clear that the number of installed programs, the greater the registry increases. Even more annoying, the uninstall does not remove all the entries.

Thus, over the facilities, please uninstall and reinstall possible, the registry so swells, sometimes to slow down the computer. Obviously, this downturn is very low and this is noticeable especially true in recent operating systems such as Windows XP and Vista. However, a registry of excessive size will certainly be an obstacle to research potential of a key or entry states.

We have seen in previous post, the most commonly used to remove software from their computer is to use the module to add / remove programs from Windows, in Control Panel (called Programs and Features in Windows Vista). However, sometimes this way does not work for a variety of reasons: the unfortunate intervention program folder, disappearance of the program in question in the list of installed applications ... In this case, a series of operations will be necessary to replace the action of this module.

Use the module to uninstall the program to remove

The first of these is to enable the module to uninstall the program to remove. Go to the directory where the software is present (typically C: \ Program Files \ labelname). You have to put you in search of an executable named uninstall.exe or unwise.exe whose icons may vary, but still had enough of the action uninstall.

Run this program, before taking care to close all pending. Often, the uninstaller will inform you as to remove the software is running on your computer and asks you to stop the execution. Sometimes the uninstall itself stop the program. However, sometimes a little error message comes explicitly warn you that the uninstall is impossible without more explanation than that. In this case, you will have to open Task Manager (via the famous Keyboard shortcut CTRL + ALT + DEL) and identify the process for the program to uninstall. This done, you should be able to start the uninstall process of your program without concern. This is done, you should be able to start the uninstall process of your program without concern.

Remove residue in Program Files

If the uninstaller your software has been designed, you should not have traces of the application on your computer. However, it should be checked, starting with the directory where you are. Indeed, if all went well, Windows Explorer was automatically put you in the Program Files folder, since logically, your uninstalled application should no longer exist.

If this is not the case (which happens frequently), remove the file in question and remove it. However, if you encounter a file or folder reluctant (which may come from a dll still loaded, for example), do not hesitate to use a program such as Unlocker. This very useful little program lets you perform an action such as deleting a file that refuses to disappear through the tools. Right-click on the folder or file, select "Unlocker", select your action (here, Delete) and click OK. Your directory has finally disappeared.

Clear the tracks in the Users folder

If the Program Files directory (or Programs for Vista) is now free of all traces of your software, it is still a few here and there that can survive. We will not talk of the Common Files folder, which may contain files for the application uninstalled. However, as the folder name indicates, the elements in them are often shared between multiple applications and a reduction unfortunate is very easy.

To spend more cautiously Users folder on Vista, or Documents and Settings in XP. This directory contains probably some remnants of your application, certainly little bulky, but are wrong to disturb the order sought. Several cases are analyzed, but in all cases, you must allow the display of hidden files and folders via the "Tools" menu - "Folder Options" from the explorer.

In Windows XP, the files will be visiting the following:

1. C: \ Documents and Settings \ username \ Application Data
2. C: \ Documents and Settings \ username \ Local Settings \ Application Data
3. C: \ Documents and Settings \ username \ Local Settings \ Apps

You must seek, in these directories, all elements that contain the name of the application or the editor and delete them. Make sure, however, in this case not to remove the items to another application by the same publisher.

Take advantage of your presence in these folders to delete the contents of C: \ Documents and Settings \ username \ Local Settings \ Temp, which can occupy an important place in your storage unit. Finally, install some software components not only in your home directory, but also that of all accounts on the computer. Thus file * C: \ Documents and Settings \ All Users \ can contain the same elements as those listed above. Be careful though, because removing these items, you touch the pattern of other users. Finish by emptying the trash.

In Windows Vista, things are very similar, only the names of files being different. The directories are to be analyzed as follows:

• C: \ Users \ username \ AppData \ Local
• C: \ Users \ username \ AppData \ LocalLow
• C: \ Users \ username \ AppData \ Roaming
• C: \ Users \ All Users

Again, be careful what you delete and do not hesitate to use a file Unlocker if you resist.

The manipulations in the registry

The most delicate and the longest was then to clean the registry items that relate to remove the software. We have seen in previous post, the register contains a large number of keys or entries that can be found at many places in this base. What we advise you to do is safe if you stick to our guidance, but the handling of the registry is not a trivial. Above all, be sure to make a backup. For this, use the shortcut Windows key + R and enter the command "regedit". Go immediately on the File menu, then Export to save the current basis in a safe place. If something went wrong, you just have to import this backup to restore the PC to its original state.

What about cleaning itself. The registry database containing thousands of entries, it is not easy to quickly identify those that you have deleted. Fortunately there is a very nice tool: the search key, value and data. On the Edit menu, select Find function so. You have to specify in the box to fill in the name of the application, that of the publisher or any other evidence that could identify the program to remove. Mistrust again, if you are unsure of the action, you better abstain. You can do the following for more security: starting with the rough cleaning by removing the elements that you are sure they will do more, and then restart your computer. If after a few hours of use, nothing seems abnormal, repeat a backup of this new base and refine your cleaning.

Cleaning the launching of Windows

Last thing to check to ensure the disappearance of your software: the elimination of programs running at startup. To do this, use the shortcut Windows key + R and enter the command "msconfig." Then go to the Startup tab and make sure that nothing here for the application is removed now. If you are unsure of your actions, do not hesitate one hand to observe the "Manufacturer", the other to make a quick search on the Internet, it costs nothing and it can be reassured about its choice.

Specialized Programs

The numerous manipulations described in previous page are effective, but may take some time. For those, there are automated solutions, sometimes free, sometimes paid.

To remove programs

Start with specialized applications in the removal of programs. More efficient in principle that the specific tool of Windows, these programs allow a thorough cleaning of the registry to persistent elements in the specified folders on the previous page.

PC Decrapifier is a free software that can quickly get rid of software that you clutter. It is particularly effective for newly acquired and PC hard drives which are filled with programs that do not interest you. In its focus, among other you will find many antivirus and other security software often trial version on new computers, but Google Toolbar, Google Desktop, Dell URL Assistant or AOL. Regarding the use of PC Decrapifier, can not be simpler. It requires no installation and after having made a restore point (this is a good idea before starting such a procedure), a first result of detection will be presented. All you have to check the various items to remove and let PC Decrapifier it. This great program allows you finally select multiple applications to uninstall to make a bundle that will save precious time.

PC Decrapifier and Your Uninstaller! can overcome the shortcomings of the Windows tool
http://gallery.techarena.in/data/519...ecrapifier.jpg http://gallery.techarena.in/data/519...fier-Image.jpg

Equally interesting, Your Uninstaller! Is software ergonomics appreciable whose mode "Pro" (as opposed to its "Basic") you will not only find and delete any software quickly on your hard drive, but also follow in detail the uninstall process, to ensure that all those described in the previous page are met. Only flat, the trial version of this program is limited to 21 days.

Finally, one can also cite Total Uninstall, which has a particular operation. Indeed, the software saves all very precise changes to the system during installation of software. It is therefore essential to avoid doing something else during the registration period so that Total Uninstall does not take such actions as changes caused by the installation.

To clean the registry

Late use software cited above may result in a registry somewhat cluttered. That is why we recommend the use of CCleaner which, through its tab "Register" to clean the basis of the orphans as dll nonexistent, obsolete programs, ActiveX and classes handicapped, or invalid file extensions.

Another way to optimize the registry is using a dedicated software defragmentation. Indeed, just as your hard disk, the registry tends to leave some open space between two blocks of information, making the path even longer. A program like Quicksys RegDefrag proposes to remedy these fragments by eliminating unnecessary and spaces, thus improving system performance. Fully translated into any other language, the simple and effective interface allows real simplicity use. As a first step, click the "Defrag Registry" and then click Analyze. After a few minutes you will get a graph showing the rate of fragmentation of your Registry. You do not have to click on "Defrag" and restart your system.

For Software Removal

We were talking about in the introduction, it is software that posed so many problems for users uninstall they have made a solid reputation in this regard, despite constant efforts yet in the different versions. This is the case of applications from Symantec and the Norton suite of security in particular, but also of Nero, the famous after burning. The main problem with the software is cumbersome. Indeed, in seeking to consolidate into a single program multiple applications, these publishers are creating programs that interfere so deeply into the computer it becomes difficult to remove.

Aware of this, both publishers have even made available to small applications only intended to remove their own software. So you can find Norton Removal Tool, dedicated to uninstall Symantec products in our library and a program dedicated to Nero and a comprehensive tutorial on the web site.

The all-in-One

Conclude this overview complete with suites dedicated to the optimization and cleaning of Windows. This is the case of two programs that we tested recently, namely TuneUp Utilities and System Mechanic. Faced with these two best sellers pay, two free software can claim their hold candle: this is PC Health Optimizer Free Edition and Glary Utilities. The first proposes a neat interface, a module for cleaning the registry and another to uninstall the software, among many other functions. Its module Doctor Spyware Cleaner allows including research and uninstall software known to be harmful to the security of your computer.

In Glary Utilities, you will find a multitude of tools and utilities to fix, speed up, fix and protect your computer. His manager uninstall is particularly effective and should fill all those that discourage the procedure manual. Like PC Decrapifier, it can build a list of applications to remove a single step. Clever and effective, even if the latest version seems to show some signs of instability. Hopefully the next album will fix it quickly!

Conclusion

Installing and uninstalling programs are actions that we do every day. Update discovery programs more efficient than the previous one, our hard drives are often used for such operations. Even if the program installation and uninstallation have become particularly successful, these actions are not painless for our PC, either in terms of disk space or in terms of "clean" of the registry.

That is why follow a conscientious uninstall can avoid the deterioration of performance of your PC. However, it is not always easy to do so, for lack of time or knowledge. This is why software is often a great help, especially since they are always more powerful version version.

However, these programs are not without risk and before any changes, a backup of the registry, or even from any computer with a restore point is more than recommended. Otherwise, it will unfortunately do more than to use a software data recovery!

Some guides may also be of some interest:
http://forums.techarena.in/tips-tweaks/1040855.htm
http://forums.techarena.in/guides-tutorials/993432.htm

Wow, you worked really hard on this tutorial, congratz! :) I want to add a great program that I use to uninstall the programs on my PC, you can find it here: Revo Uninstaller. A good program that will not only clean but also fix registry problem is CCleaner clean PC. If you haven't heard about it, then you should definitely try it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nicholas77

Wow, you worked really hard on this tutorial, congratz! :) I want to add a great program that I use to uninstall the programs on my PC, you can find it here: Revo Uninstaller. A good program that will not only clean but also fix registry problem is CCleaner clean PC. If you haven't heard about it, then you should definitely try it.

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Well, I am a regular user of Ccleaner and many other tools, tweaking and getting the most out of it, if only you would have searched this forums, then you may have come accross many guides already made on this software utilities: http://forums.techarena.in/tips-tweaks/533699.htm

It was just a suggestion, I didn't know smbdy already talked about it, sorry.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nicholas77

It was just a suggestion, I didn't know smbdy already talked about it, sorry.

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lolzz, every suggestions are accepted but feel free to search before posting external links of n' number of softwares which are freely available in the market.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fumble

Just spend a few minutes on Google with the keyword "Uninstall" to realize the difficulties faced by many of you deal with the removal of certain software for your computers. Some have even made a great reputation in the field. To assist in this process, we propose a case based on three points, while giving you a brief overview of the theoretical principle of installation and uninstall, with all that implies for your computer. Sensitive cases concerning the removal "by hand" will also be discussed, telling you step by step how to clean your PC effectively. Finally, we will recommend some free software or not, you will ensure effective removal, acting on the registry for example.

Why there is not a program to uninstall?

The difficulties encountered to remove some software have originated from three sources:

• ignorance of some users who do not make a proper procedure, removing files manually without trial;
• weaknesses in the Windows tool, which is sometimes unable to completely remove an application;
• software themselves, finally, who are sometimes poorly designed and require exaggerated efforts to be eradicated from your hard drives.

That is why we must first of all to abide by certain rules, but it also happens to have to place the hands dirty.

The principle of an installation an uninstallation

What will happen when you install a program on your hard drive? Since you started the process, several elements are in place. First, the program installs of course all the files it needs to operate, such as libraries and the executable file. This process often uses the Program Files directory (or Programs in Vista) by default, unless you specify another location, but some files may also be placed on file systems, especially in the case of the drivers.

The program also places items in the registry (which should more accurately called "the Register") which will allow Windows to know everything about the program, how it should be launched, the location of executable file or some settings ... Most of the time, then it has one or more shortcuts in the Start menu in Windows on the desktop or in the Quick Launch. This option is often offered when you install a program, with the option to disable it.

It is not uncommon for software to define themselves to Windows they will be executed at the start of Windows. It is sometimes possible to disable this option, but it is not always the case. Many applications also install items in the folder of the user, often in hidden folders (such as the AppData folder in Windows Vista). Finally, be careful not to install more components than necessary, toolbars Google or Yahoo! Sometimes interfering in the installation of some software. Again, check boxes may be present to disable them but they are not always in the heat of the action.

Let's see how does a uninstall via the Windows tool. This will first look for the module dedicated often associated with the program to remove (in the directory under names such as uninstall.exe or unwize.exe). This will, in theory, to erase all traces of the software, making the inverse of a facility. It rises from the Start menu, the registry, the folder in which he is now and possibly in place shortcuts on the desktop. Alas, this module may not be as effective as expected, and you have probably already read a message like "Some files have been deleted. Please delete them manually." Similarly, some software trainer leave voluntarily files or registry keys to anticipate a possible relocation. Therefore, a more complete cleaning than that produced by these tools is sometimes.

The effects on the registry

As we can see, the installation of a program has an effect on the registry, which lists all the items related to the software in question: files associated with it, location, shortcut, windows settings for this application ... A large number of parameters that must be stored in order to run the program according to your settings. It becomes clear that the number of installed programs, the greater the registry increases. Even more annoying, the uninstall does not remove all the entries.

Thus, over the facilities, please uninstall and reinstall possible, the registry so swells, sometimes to slow down the computer. Obviously, this downturn is very low and this is noticeable especially true in recent operating systems such as Windows XP and Vista. However, a registry of excessive size will certainly be an obstacle to research potential of a key or entry states.

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There is a possible solution for those who cannot uninstall or delete the files from tuneup utilities 2008; Get a newer version of tune-up utilities 2010 free trial and install it. After that try to install Tune-up, utilities 2008, which will not finish installing, go to tuneup utilities 2010 uninstall (all programs) and select tuneup utilities 2008 and select “uninstall”. If you cannot uninstall, select “remove entry” that will get rid of all the files. And tuneup utilities 2008 will no longer appear on add remove programs. I took me a while to figure out but it worked.
Have a wonderful day