What do I do about all the leftovers after an uninstall?

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I use revo uninstaller: http://www.revouninstaller.com/. After it uses the program's built in uninstaller, it then searches for leftover files, directories and registry entries, giving you the option of deleting some, all or none of them. I have always ridded myself of the whole enchalada with no problems. And I install, then uninstall a lot of stuff. Its a disease.

I'm with Leo on this one. Although 3rd party uninstaller software and registry cleaners/tweakers might do the job in a lot of cases, they require your undivided attention to look at everything before a change is made. For an experienced user with a lot of time on their hands, sure, its doable as long as they know what they are doing.

It's safe to assume that a regular uninstall will uninstall the targeted software. Its also safe to assume that you really shouldn't worry what it leaves behind. Ultimately, what can a left behind dll file or log file do to your system if it never opens again after you uninstall the software using it?

The threat of deleting something important is removed by only using the programs uninstaller. Any other method you use is ultimately much more unsafe and not recommended.

If it ain't broke, dont try and fix it!

Revo i use it as well and it is quite harmless anything it removes can be UN done with a a click into system restore. that's right it creates a system restore point. so it is and will be one of the safest apps to use. If you like check it out i will say it again it's safe and it rides the computer of only the left over things that the program left behind. and in a safe whey by creating restore points.

RevoUninstaller it's the best for me!!! I'm using it since a long time and don't dissapoint me. It's free and it let you clean what do you want because it shows a summary before the cleaning process begins. Also take a look at the other options it has like 'autorun manager'.

Good work for the folks of 'Revo'...

Best regards and thanks Leo for your advices.

there is a registry cleaner out there that is safe to run out of the box. as long as it is run under the default settings, it will not do asny damage. i use it and so does several others on my computer help board at aimoo. it is ccleaner. you can get it at download.com. leo, try it out and you will see how safe it is. when you run the registry scanner on it, b4 u can fix the problems, it will ask if you want to create a back up of the registry. let me know how you like it........

willie

I use this method (all freeware):

Revo Uninstaller: see comments above

CCleaner: the registry scan actually provides pretty good detail on the items to be deleted.

TweakNow Registry Cleaner: By far the most user friendly registry cleaner.

I agree that it's not necessary to go through all those steps, but it just makes me feel better...kinda like scratching an itch. I also do a complete system restore every 6 months for the same reason. Enjoy!

I learned my lesson, Leo - I got cute with the Revo Uninstaller, reinstalled old apps just to uninstall all traces of them and deleted my system restore in the process. Also, I couldn't click on links in various web pages...Took forever and lots of luck in restoring things to normal (thank heaven I had backed up the registry a few weeks before). Definitely NOT worth the trouble!

Reformatting is the ONLY way to go (once a year for me)! :)

I prefer portable programs for this very purpose or "thinstalled" progrms. they don't leave such trail behind. :)

Other than that as mentioned before, reformatting os is the way to go for maintaining performance.

I think the "FREE REVO UNINSTALLER" is the best way to go.

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