Un-Install

Hello,

A simple question, is it better to use a programs un-install or use the add/remove in control panel?

Loki

 

Well personally I do not know what is *better* as long the the damn program you are trying to uninstall is uninstalled.

I usually give the program's UNINSTALLER a go first, and maybe have to delete an empty folder, etc. manually later on, but if that does not work then the Add/Remove Program is given a shot [after reinstalling the program] to see if it does a better job.

I also have Tweak and another program [forget the name now, darn] that will remove the program *name* from the Add/Remove listings if it fails to do so after the program has been uninstalled.

 

LOKI

personally I have found both ways to be lacking.....an the use of some form of registry cleaning needed

 

Clarification

usually I will un-install by mean of either the programs un-installer or by add/remove..........afterwards I double check by some form of registry cleaning program

 

Yep, that's a given! Use jv16 Power Tools, etc. to then clean REgistry

 

TASSIE

LOL...when you mentioned "tweak" I kinda thought thats what you were referring to....you seem really on the ball with your computer......compliments to you

 

Both ways doesn't work very well, at your machine stays in most cases a lot of rubbish!

There are uninstall-programs who are doing the job (almost) perfect, f.e. McAfee QuickClean 3.0

 

Loki,
here's a past thread on un-installers !
It's a good one !!

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=4896

regards,
bill

 

Hi,

Thanks everyone for the replies, as I usually re-install my OS about once every three months I don't worry to much about left overs, unless I start having problems. I was just wondering if one way worked a little better.


eyespy, thanks for the link.

snowy, I read your link on the bad program un-installing, i'm going to read it again.

Thanks again
Loki

 

Actually the 2 methods should be equalavant.

The entry in add/remove program is just a registry key that links to the real uninstall program. If for some reason your add/remove program panel is totally broken (ie you can't even access it)

You can actually do this.

Start regedit
go to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall

Find the key of the application you want to remove. You can usually tell by looking at the path.

Look at the uninstall string and you will find the commands you need to type to start the uninstall manually.

This is the same as clicking on add/remove program actually