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What to do when Uninstall does not remove programs?

by MOCAL | November 11, 2007 11:48 AM PST

I have a Dell Inspiron B130 notebook running Windows XP. A few weeks ago I installed 3 programs, WinCleaner Memory Optimizer, SpeedItUp, and PC Checkup. After a few days, SpeedIt Up and PC Checkup began to block my attempts to defrag my hard drive. So I used the uninstall that came with each program to remove them but they remained. Next I went to Control Panel and used Uninstall Software, and still they remained. So I then went into DOS Prompt and located them in the directory and removed them. I know this is not the best way and leaves Reg files but at this point I wanted them gone and would deal with the fall out later. However, you guessed it, all three programs are still there. I have checked their attribitues and they are not protected. How can I take control of my computer back, get these off of my hardrive without a complete re-format?

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3 Posts
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That's called MANUAL UNINSTALL.
by R. Proffitt Forum moderator | November 11, 2007 9:58 PM PST

It's a search and delete of the program's .exe and other files. Usually just removing the home directory in Program Files is enough.

There is NO step by step for this method, only guides.

Bob

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Minor Suggestions
by eddie11013 | November 11, 2007 11:42 PM PST

You could try the following additional steps to uninstall a program: Step # 1. Win + R / regedit - click - Hkey _ local _ machine _ Software _ Microsoft _ Windows _ Current Version _ click plus sign _ for uninstall -- all the programs installed on your computer are listed, scroll and see if the program you want to get rid of is on the list?if it is right click on it and delete it. Step # 2. Boot into ?Safe Mode? - In ?safe mode?, click on ?My Computer? / Explore, go to, C:\ program files - click on the folder of the program you want to delete from your computer and delete it. Then click on the common files folder and see if it is in there and if it is delete it. When finished, reboot back into normal boot. You could also try various programs like: ?Windows Installer Cleanup Utility?, Add/Remove Pro, Google them, their freeware. And if you have Spybot S&D and or Ccleaner, they both have uninstallers. Sometimes, the programs ?own? uninstallers do a better job of uninstalling themselves.
Just some thoughts,
Eddie

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This will sometimes do the trick
by Dango517 | November 12, 2007 12:04 PM PST
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