Uninstalling programs without an "uninstall" program?

When you uninstall a program by using an uninstall program that came with the install program, it deletes the program files and also (if it is a good uninstaller) removes any references to that program from the registry, as well as searching out any temporary file names created by the program and deleting them.

If you use the Control Panel's "Add and Remove Programs" it will attempt to do the same thing, but it will have to "guess" what registry entries were made and does not do a good job of deleting temporary files. If the programs names used a suffix like .tmp to indicate a temporary file, windows will pick it up and delete it when it becomes too old. Windows fixes "too old" by using an algorithm based on the ratio of free space to occupied space, which you do not have to worry about.

You should always use a Registry Checker to make sure you have all the references to the old proram gone and a File Cleaner to get rid of the old files created by this program. Windows usually catches these, but not always

That is why I think it is always best to use the uninstall program that came with the program. Occasionally some less than reputable programmers will leave behind a program that pops up at some period of time after you have used and uninstalled their program and say something like "I guess you miss Blankety Blank Blank by now don't you? Go to www.badprogram.com to sign up again." that pop-up should be "removed" rather than "deleted" and you should see about getting a better pop-up blocker.

I think that some of your confusion comes from the difference in the way Windows treats the words "delete" and "remove". It sounds like they should mean the same thing, but Windows uses them differently. When Windows installs or writes a file, it makes an entry (or entries if the disk is fragmented" on the Hard Disk and then writes another entry to a portion of your Hard Disk in what is called the FAT, or File Allocation Table. That tells windows where the file is physically located on the disk. That way if Windows needs that file it get it's location from the FAT, and goes directly to it.

When a file is "deleted", it's entry is removed from the FAT, and the space is recorded as "blank" so that it can be reused. But that file is still there until another file uses that space. That can happen with continued use, or by defragmenting. Even defragmenting might not remove all traces of the file, because it will only be "overwritten" if another file needs that space. That is why a DRS or "Data Recovery Service" can sometimes find most or sometimes all of a program or file that you have "deleted".

There are programs that are called "file shredders" that can actually "remove" a program from your Hard Disk. What they really do is physically locate the file and "overwrite" it. It changes all the entries in that particular string of data to one character, typically "0". To be on the safe side, it can make multiple "passes" over the offending file to makes sure it is gone.

I use a file shredder that comes with a freeware program called Spybot Search & Destroy. I have it set for six passes before it quits, but for viruses or spyware, I up it to 12. Call me paranoid, but it works. You can download it for free at C|Net's Download.com. C|Net promises all of the files it distributes are virus free. If you use freeware, it should come from a reputable source.

One other use for a file shredder. If you donate your used computer to a charity. (Good Karma) Do not jut delete the files like your bank account or your credit card information. Shred them. When I donate a computer, I shred every file except my OS (Operating System). Since my OS is in another partition, I can install a fresh copy of the OS in my Data Partition and then shred my OS partition. I am super paranoid, so I make a fresh copy in my original OS partition and shred the Data Partition copy.

I also download a freeware anti-virus, a freeware firewall, a freeware registry checker, a freeware file cleaner and a freeware anti-spyware, wIth a note called "Read Me.txt" on the desktop. It just explains that they have a bare-bones system that should let them surf the web in relative safety, until they find a program or programs they like better. Once again, Good Karma. (also tax deductible if you give to an IRS authorized organization (called a 501c3) and get a receipt.

As we all know that it is normal to uninstall a program from Add/Remove programs list. But most of the time, some program will not list/be uninstalled from Add/Remove programs or with its built-in uninstaller. At this time, it is very necessary to uninstall it with a professional uninstaller to prevent some left-over files in the drives or registry.

Of all the uninstallers I have used, Perfect Uninstaller is the one that I love so much. The "Force Uninstall" function allows us to uninstall programs that are not in the Add/Remove programs list, which is very suitable in uninstalling corrupted program. So wish you good luck!

After uninstalling a program, free space is increased on the hard drive but a folder is usually left in the my programs folder of windows. Delete the folder and then empty the recycling bin to free up more space. Also, there are some good programs available on the net for cleaning up these temp files.

When you UNINSTALL a program, all of the components associated with that program are deleted. The program folder is also deleted despite earlier answers.

There can be cases where some "leftover" files associated with the program (usually temp files and/or registry entries) MAY not get completed cleaned up during an UNINSTALL.

These items typically get cleaned up later when you are doing normal maintenance to your computer (delete temp files, defragment, run registry cleaner utilities, etc...).

As a general rule, you should regularly (weekly) clean up your computer by deleting all of these "temporary" components on your computer (cache, temp files, cookies), empty your recycle bin, and defragment your hard drive.

Some programs tend to leave their backup file in the folder "C:/Program files" also the folder "C:/program files/common files". Also the folder "AppData" from the Main user folder. In order to to see the last hidden folder, go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options > View , then choose "Show hidden files and folders". Usually you will find the remainings with the program's original name or the company's. You can also use the program at www.ccleaner.com .

I only pay for one program for security, it does everything. ESET Smart Security. It comes from a company called Nod32 anti vius. It is the best anti virus suite I have ever used, and when I didn't have the cash I went through all the free ones. Avast, spybot, superantispyware, AVG, and even paid for Spy Sweeper once. They all pail in comparison. If you can get a trial I'd recommend testing it out. Best part is you don't even notice it working. It's so light, and it's real time protection is great $60 for 2 years

Go to Control Panel > Add or remove hardware > Find the program > Done

New software does plently good work uninstalling.... if you are a window user expect good behaviour on upcoming windows 7...

REVO uninstaller in the advanced mode