How to Uninstall Programs in Windows
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What’s the proper way to entirely uninstall and remove a program from your Windows computer? Chip called in from the chat room, to ask what my favorite uninstaller program is for Windows. Let’s take some time, and walk you through exactly how.
I have never really used any “uninstall programs”. I use the Windows Uninstall tool for years. Those outside apps are usually ineffective. Keep in mind, I grew up using DOS, so I would just delete directories as needed.
When I download something for Windows, I try to avoid the Installer altogether, and just copy the folder to a different directory. That way, if I have to reinstall Windows, I am able to easily reinstall my programs, as well.
The Revo Uninstaller is free, and works with all version of Windows, including Vista. It’s easy to use, if you truly prefer to use a tool or program to get rid of programs. I’ve also heard of Sandbox, and someone else mentioned CCLeaner. Keep in mind, I’m not so sure I trust CCleaner. My assistant Kat loathes that program. She knows her stuff, and I trust her judgement.
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29 Comments
gnfnr211
February 7th, 2008
at 10:16am
boyboy53
February 7th, 2008
at 10:18am
can u just delete it off the comp with out a program?
Jettboi93
February 7th, 2008
at 10:29am
nice video…
no homo but ummm I LOVE YOU CHRIS
jbockmon
February 7th, 2008
at 10:35am
ha i remember this i made a post in the chat room a 1:03 my user name is Jim
vahnx1337
February 7th, 2008
at 10:46am
Add/Remove Programs is what I use.
RickArter
February 7th, 2008
at 11:01am
Yes sometimes.
RickArter
February 7th, 2008
at 11:01am
Pirillo is god!!!
nunikili
February 7th, 2008
at 1:08pm
those advise were useless, google does a better job lol, dont bother posting Chris if its empty
nemirc
February 7th, 2008
at 1:50pm
revo uninstaller!!!
I use it under vista 64bits with no problems at all
Technobabble
February 7th, 2008
at 4:09pm
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therealorberon
February 7th, 2008
at 11:51pm
why would anyone wants another uninstaller program? don’t windows dod the job already?
vistadude123
February 8th, 2008
at 4:52am
Great videos Chris and check out my web site Remember if Chris dose not post a video with your tips just email me and i will post them on my site.
Windows Vista Torrent
February 8th, 2008
at 6:19am
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woolf2k
February 8th, 2008
at 8:12am
That’s great that you have these little programs that can all be held within it’s own folder but now days this is a exception to the rule not the rule.
For the most part programs will install themself all over the place and then save configuration information into the registry.
so even if you track all the files down and saved them from werre they were installed… you would still have to reinstall the program because none of the registry information would be installed.
A perfect example would be Microsoft Office. Let’s see you make a copy of the program’s folder to another computer and see it run. it wont!
nathaniel9871
February 8th, 2008
at 8:32am
For mac users i think “appzapper” works great. It cleans up all of the hidden files relative to the application.
MB
February 8th, 2008
at 5:33pm
I have always used the uninstaller supplied with programs or the Add or Remove Windows function, but I’m definetly going to try out some uninstall programs.
frank harvey
February 8th, 2008
at 7:28pm
I myself like to use cc cleaner to get to the manufacturers uninstaller because for some reason it will go there faster than when I click start then control panel then uninstall and i love its features where you can remove alot of installed stuff.But sometimes no matter what you do you can’t remove all the bits laying around unless you do a complete reformat or new windows install.But I will give that revo uninstaller a try
shadowmeyer
February 8th, 2008
at 9:25pm
I did a video on this subject on how to completely remove programs off of your computer. It shows beginners that are not used to computers or people who do not know how to do it, remove a unwanted program. Here is the link below. Enjoy.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OjM9SkBBpR0
Tim Malloroy
February 8th, 2008
at 9:27pm
I have used “Your Uninstaller!” by UR Software for several years. It is not free however.
Your Uninstaller! removes the application via its uninstaller routine if possible. It searches the registry and disk for fragments of the application that might be left behind and then removes them. I have been very pleased with it.
derrick
February 8th, 2008
at 10:16pm
i have noticed that the windows add and remove programs dont get rid of the whole program and stuff associated with the program. All it does is get rid of the installed program and any drivers associated stuff with it not any backup files or extra files that arnt really needed to run the program which then u have to go in and get rid of the rest of the files manually. i would say to use a total uninstall program that way it wipes everything associated with the program and frees up the hard drive space on the computer.
Desertwarrior
February 8th, 2008
at 11:32pm
I always found that the windows uninstaller does well bur leaves behind fragments in the registry. What do is if I uninstall a program I go through the registry and find remnants of the program. I see what you are doing on the internet as bennifical and more people need to start helping out people without charging them just to answer a question. Even though it takes forever to get voice on you channel i will still wait for the day it is bestowed upon me. Keep doing what you’re Chris later
MrFabulous
February 9th, 2008
at 12:47am
i have used ccleaner with no problems…wipes away all the junk with no problemo.
Encrypted
February 9th, 2008
at 12:58am
I usually rely on the add and remove utility in windows which is good enough. I do sometimes have programs that I cant get rid of by using the windows utility, so I use CCleaner. This usually will get rid of the program if windows couldn’t do it. I noticed that you don’t trust CCleaner, but I personally never have had any problems with this software before. Keep up the good work.
Bobertoq
February 10th, 2008
at 4:19am
Same here lol
jonnyk5614
February 10th, 2008
at 6:44pm
Windows sometimes doesn’t remove all program parts.
therealorberon
February 10th, 2008
at 8:33pm
desperate lifeless website you have there.
kathyleana
February 18th, 2008
at 9:58pm
The uninstall program in windows woks well with most programs but I have had trouble uninstalling some programs using it , sometimes you need to use the programs own uninstaller to get rid of everything the program has installed.
Tim North
March 5th, 2008
at 5:31am
I have just received a Dell XPS 720, with MS Win. Media Center on it. I need to get it off C: entirely and I cannot figure out how. I tried all the old DOS stuff that I did in years past but to no avail. I need to get this done in the next few days in order to make the ‘return’ window with Dell if the change does not work.
I want to install a fresh copy of XP Pro edition so the “Pro Tools” software I have will load on it and operate, which is the reason I’m trying this in the first place. Dell techs are the ones who said it would work, but hey were wrong according to DigiDesign.
richard
March 2nd, 2009
at 1:42pm
thanks it got rid of what i was trying to delete revo is the bomb select all delete and gone!!!!!!!!