Can't uninstall APC Powerchute

tgfyhre · 30 Jun 2015

I bought a new UPS this week (Cyberpower) and I want to uninstall my old APC Powerchute software. But I can't. I have no idea what happened. Last week I installed a new version of Powerchute thinking I would buy a new APC UPS, but instead I changed my mind and bought a Cyberpower.

Under Program Files>APC I have 2 folders:

APC PowerChute Personal Edition
PowerChute Personal Edition

When I installed the update last week it asked if I wanted to upgrade (actually it gave me no choice - it gave "upgrade" as the only choice - no uninstall old version option, nothing). It looks like the "PowerChute Personal Edition" folder was created last week, whereas the other folder was created way back in 2011 when I installed the older version.

Powerchute isn't listed in my installed software under the Windows uninstaller (not under APC or Powerchute), and when I tried Revo Uninstaller it listed it but when I tried to uninstall it said I could only do that to installed software. ???

So I seem to have 2 versions of this software now and I can't uninstall either one. It starts processes when I start my PC and I don't want it interfering with my new Cyberpower software. What can I do? This is lousy software to not have a proper uninstaller. I also checked in the programs files folders, and there is no uninstaller in there.

Any ideas?

MoxieMomma · 30 Jun 2015

Hi:

I've been using APC PCPE for years without issue on multiple platforms, but I've never tried to uninstall it.

A quick Google search turns up this:
Manual Removal of PowerChute Personal Edition on Windows Systems | FAQs | Schneider Electric East Mediterranean
N.B.: it does involve editing the registry, so you might want to set a system restore point AND make a registry backup before trying it.

APC also has a user forum: APC by Schneider Electric Community
See here: How To: Manual Removal of PowerChute Personal Edition on Windows Systems | UPS Management Devices & PowerChute Software
And here, which is the direct link from the APC site to the same tutorial in the first link listed above: Frequently Asked Questions

Hope this helps.

Layback Bear · 30 Jun 2015

Try booting in Safe Mode and delete the programs.

tgfyhre · 30 Jun 2015

I ended up deleting the APC folder from Program Files and then ran Revo uninstaller to remove leftover registry entries. I then carefully went through the registry and deleted all leftover entries for powerchute. After running ccleaner and rebooting, everything seems to be fine. Lousy software. I installed Cyberpower powerchute and it's running fine. Just passed the self-test. Tomorrow I'll kill my power and put it to the test, but I think it will be fine.

MoxieMomma · 30 Jun 2015

Hi:

It appears to be a longstanding issue -- you might want to take a peek at those APC tutorials, to see if there are any other recommended steps.
But it sounds as if you probably got it all.:)

Sheesh -- that WAS a long run for a short slide.
It *is* odd that the software is so hard to properly uninstall.

At least I'll know for the future, if I ever need to yank it out.

Cheers,

ThrashZone · 01 Jul 2015

Hi,
Yea I've never downloaded the UPS software windows can manage the power option if a backup battery is being used
As long as the UPS and windows setting allow me to save and close my work and shutdown normally I'm happy.

OvenMaster · 01 Jul 2015

Many years ago when I installed PowerChute under Win XP, I asked APC how to remove it. They actually replied that there was no officially supported uninstall method and that my best option was to reformat and reinstall Windows. Needless to say, after that I relied on Windows' built-in battery backup options.