Windows 7: Performing an Uninstall

I have a workstation that was originally a member of a network. The computer has several programs that now cannot be "uninstalled" because there is no access to the network.



Is there a way to uninstall without being able to access the network where it was originally installed?

There are various tools available online that can assist you in removing some software completely - it would be helpful to know which apps in particular you're wanting to uninstall first, though. From there I'm sure I can give you some steps or recommendations.

I have several but these would be a great start and would release about 2 GB of HDD space:

Trend Micro
Research in Motion (Blackberry)
Adobe:
After Effects 6.5
InDesign CS
PremierePro 1.5
Illustrator CS
Photshop CS

When I attempt to uninstall any of these, I am told that they reside on a network (name is given) and cannot be uninstalled (contact the Administrator).

What damage might I cause if I just went onto the HDD and deleted all of the files listed there in folders "directly related" to these programs?

or

Can I use regedit and simply search for Adobe and delete everything so related in regedit? I have Heard that I can get myself in real trouble using regedit - is that myth or fact?

If you do sufficient damage to the Regsitry, the simplest fix could be a clean re-installation of Windows. Is that enough trouble for you?

A third-party uninstaller may help. I've never used one, though. I would probably just manually delete the directories, and then use the registry cleaner feature in CCleaner to get rid of the obsolete entries. (Reg cleaners may be dangerous, but CCleaner hasn't done me any harm.)

CCleaner - Download

(Don't allow it to install whatever toolbar Piriform has been paid to bundle, unless you want it.)

Well, a lot of what I wanted to get rid of appears to be gone and the system still seems to be working. However, with all that I did today in the registry, only time will tell if I stomped on things that I did not want to change/damage.

Thanks for the help - I think.