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

Comment from In2TheBlues on 2009-02-23

2009-02-23T23:23:54Z

I use Revo also. I have never EVER encountered a problem using it. But I do have to mention that it also will (at times) leave some files behind. In this case I follow up by searching what I have removed in my PC search engine. I use an app called "Everything" that works EXCELLENT! at finding everything that you type in it's browser. It's really fast too! Just make sure that you are deleting what you really need or have to on the latter. This is what works for me.

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Comment from Wagner on 2009-02-21

2009-02-21T20:06:13Z

I do volunteer computer work for my community in New Hampshire. One of my friends led me to this site. I am not a tech professional anymore but have many years of experience fixing, twicking, hacking, building and poking around everything electronics. I have to say I love Leo's "Do Nothing" approach on this one...I happened to share the same opinion. I see a lot of people getting in big trouble for overdoing what does not need to be done. Always back up, reformat every so often and don't forget to K.I.S.S. it :) ! Congrats for a great, really helpful site, Leo.

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Comment from redgrl on 2009-02-21

2009-02-21T15:33:26Z

Like a lot of the posters said, Revo Uninstaller is one of my top Tools that I use to keep my system clean. The advanced option not only removes leftover files but also cleans the Registry entries for the application you are removing.

I also regularly run registry cleaners like CCleaner, Advanced Windows Care and Eusing Registry Cleaner.

I also reformat AT LEAST once a year, sometimes twice a year. I recommend that ONLY if you know EXACTLY what you are doing and you know you have all your personal files and applications backed up and available for reinstall.

I do enjoy starting out with a fresh install after reformatting because I test a lot of software.

Thanks Leo for a good article!

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Comment from Harold Schulman on 2009-02-19

2009-02-19T17:45:41Z

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

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Comment from newprouser on 2009-02-19

2009-02-19T15:32:33Z

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.

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Comment from Carl R. Goodwin on 2009-02-17

2009-02-18T00:56:35Z

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

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Comment from Noel on 2009-02-17

2009-02-17T19:21:51Z

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!

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Comment from ron on 2009-02-17

2009-02-17T17:36:39Z

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!

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Comment from willie on 2009-02-17

2009-02-17T16:32:21Z

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

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Comment from Jose on 2009-02-12

2009-02-12T08:40:25Z

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.

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Comment from Tony on 2009-02-11

2009-02-12T07:14:25Z

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.

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A comment on: What do I do about all the leftovers after an uninstall?

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Comment from Chris on 2009-02-11

2009-02-11T21:46:23Z

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!

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Comment from Gene Thomas on 2009-02-11

2009-02-11T21:10:15Z

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.

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A comment on: What do I do about all the leftovers after an uninstall?

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