completely remove programs under Windows

['chris']

hi

Which is the best way to completely remove programs under Windows?

Over:
START -> SETTINGS -> CONTROL PANEL -> ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS

or over:
START -> PROGRAMS -> selected Program -> UNINSTALL?

[Dennis Handly]

Are you asking about some existing software or are you writing new software?
For the former, you should do what's documented by the software.

[P Muralidhar Kini · Accepted solution]

Hi Chris,

>> Which is the best way to completely remove programs under Windows?
To uninstall a software that is already installed,
always try to uninstall it using the Uninstall program provided by the software
itself. i.e. START -> PROGRAMS -> selected Program -> UNINSTALL

If the software does not come with a Uninstall program then you need to use
the windows built-in mechanism of uninstalling the software using the
ADD/REMOVE program option.
i.e. START -> SETTINGS -> CONTROL PANEL -> ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS

This is the order that is generally advised.

Regards,
Murali

[rcote2]

Chris,

I agree with what has been said, however you might consider some free software "Revo Uninstaller" which will do more than "Add/Remove" or the "Uninstaller" written for the program to be removed. "Revo" will use the program's uninstaller and then go on to clean the Registry and shortcuts and folders, etc. pertaining to the removed program.

You can download "Revo" at cnet.com.

Ray

[P Muralidhar Kini]

Hi Chris,

You can download Revo uninstaller from the following link -
http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
The freeware version has limited features. These features are listed in
the above site.

Regards,
Murali

['chris']

Thx, but what about Windows Installer CleanUp Utility?

[P Muralidhar Kini]

Hi Chris,

>> Thx, but what about Windows Installer CleanUp Utility?
The Windows Installer cleanup utility was designed by microsoft for
uninstalling programs that use the windows installer technology.
Note that this utility will only change registry values and remove files that were
installed by the installer portion of the program.It wont remove other installed
files. If normal uninstal means dont work then you can use this means.

For more information refer -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Installer_CleanUp_Utility

Regards,
Murali

[P Muralidhar Kini]

Hi Chris,

To make it more crisp and clear,
Windows Installer CleanUp Utility can remove all folders/files/registry entries
ONLY for applications that are installed using Windows installer method.

For applications that dont make use of Windows installer method for
installation, Windows Installer CleanUp Utility wont be able to uninstall them.

Regards,
Murali