Removing Software

Friday 7th March 2008 7:54 PM

Removing Software: What You Should Know To Get Rid of It For Good

Do you know when you install a software on your computer, it adds information in many more places than just the Program Files folder. For instance, it adds:

• Several Registry entries
• Desktop and Start menu program shortcuts
• Uninstall files
• And, many other related folders, such as program templates, clipart, etc.

This is the reason why, when you choose to uninstall a software from your computer, you must uninstall it using legitimate methods. Because if you don't, your system will fill up with orphaned information that will not only clutter your disk but will also generate incorrect uninstall errors on your computer.

In order to help you completely get rid of the software you are removing, discussed below are some of the common methods that you can use.

Method #1: Add or Remove Programs

Almost all programs installed on your computer make an entry in the Add or Remove Programs, which is a Windows utility that enables you to perform several tasks such as uninstall, repair, and add components to currently installed programs on your computer. To use the Add or Remove Programs utility, perform the following steps:

• Open Start menu, select Run, type appwiz.cpl, and then press Enter or open Control Panel and then select Add or Remove Programs link.
• Next, scroll down the Currently installed programs list and then select the program you want to uninstall.
• Select the Change/Remove or the Remove button to start the uninstallation process.
• Once the uninstallation process is complete, restart your computer.

This helps in ensuring that all registry entries and system files related to the program are deleted.

Method #2: Program Uninstaller

There a few applications, such as Winzip that do not make an entry in the Add or Remove Programs list. These programs come with their own uninstaller that exists in their program folders. The shortcut to this uninstall file is usually created in the program's submenu in the Start menu. So, if you do not find an entry for a program in the Start menu, search for its uninstall option in the Start menu, or browse to its Program Files folder to locate the Uninstall Program_Name. Click on the Start menu shortcut or double-click on the file to start and complete the uninstallation of the selected program.

Method #3: Third-Party Uninstaller Programs

Many software manufacturers such as Norton, Microsoft, and McAfee develop uninstaller programs that help in assuring complete removal of their products. These tools come in handy because many products developed by these firms add hundreds of registry entries and several system files that the Add or Remove Programs tool is just not able to remove completely.

So, next time you want to uninstall Microsoft Office 2007 or uninstall Norton Security Center, first search for their specific removal tool. Download and use these removal tools to ensure complete removal of the program.

Many third-party program uninstaller tools are also developed to help you get rid of pesky and stubborn software such as Mirar toolbar and other spyware programs. These third-party uninstallers are developed to scan your entire system for any information added by various software programs installed on your computer, and then help you ensure complete removal of programs you want to get rid of.

Whichever method you follow to uninstall a program, it is recommended that you follow it with a thorough registry scan and repair. By doing this, it will help you weed out any orphan keys left behind by the uninstalled programs. In case you are trying to get rid of a stubborn, obstructive spyware program, then in addition to registry scan, you must also run a thorough full system scan using your antispyware tool to ensure that no remnants of these pesky programs stay behind on your system.