Windows 7: Deletion Leftovers

I have noticed that when I want to do a clean install of
an application, after the install my settings are back in my
application.
How can I completely uninstall an app. or for that matter
anything from my computer?



Thanks.

That's quite normal! Very handy if reinstalling applications.
Some applications have a full uninstaller on their site.
Are you talking about user specific application settings?

Why is this a problem btw?

To remove completely you need to manually remove leftover files from program files and possibly even edit registry leftovers but that is best left alone if your not absolutely sure what you are doing as deleting the wrong thing can cause serious problems.

If you want to find out more try googling manual deletion of programs but be warned procede with caution
Some programs are easier to remove than other, if its a program from a not so mainstream company chances are everything will be in a folder named after that program or manufacturer but if its something made by MS/Apple/Adobe etc chances are there will be multiple programs/entries inside same folders so you cant just delete folders.
If your are trying to reinstall a program that has expired like a free trial then it probably wont be simple

So it sounds like this could be more complicated than
a simple fix.
Are there any apps. that would help with this?

Try some programs like Revo Uninstaller or Total Uninstaller - they can check after uninstall of a program for leftovers or obsolete reg files and clean them. I have used both programs for several years and they do the work.

A handy piece of software for complete uninstall is Revo Uninstaller. It will record the install process making note of all the changes, and if you decide to uninstall, the program goes back to the monitored install to remove the entries.

Visit the following site for more information;

Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems

For Windows 7/64bit you need the paid version. See the comparison list on their site.

Also, CCleaner.

Just an FYI:

CCleaner is not the same as Revo or Total Uninstaller. It doesn't trace the install and make a log to enable future removal and is only slightly better than the add/remove programs feature in Windows 7. Visit Piriform's site at the following location for an explanation of the uninstall in CCleaner;

Piriform - Uninstalling programs

CCleaner is a great utility, especially for free, and I use it a lot, primarily to clear browser history, but not for uninstalling a software program.

The free version of Revo doesn't trace an install either.