I have used the built-in uninstaller in win 7, I have used Revo uninstaller - and although both are great and free (which is always great!), they sometimes cannot find programs that are still in my system. Is there a better way to get rid of these hard to reach programs (besides a clean install)? Something more potent than revo?
Can you explain better what the issue is? The builtin uninstaller is the best. Revo uninstaller should really only be used if the builtin uninstaller failes or if you want to make sure that the program is gone. I'm not sure why you would need anything more comprehensive than revo uninstaller.
What kind of programs do you think are leaving behind traces of dirt? That'll tell me how to do what it is you want to do.
Other than that, monitor their install with programs like Diskpulse, RegistryChangesView, or DirectoryMonitor. Then you'll see the "splatter" on installation so you'll know what to delete for a proper uninstall.
I am using the free version of Revo, that might be why. I just have two programs that were installed by my roommate and even though I have used the "uninstaller", they remain active and I can use them.
Rovo uninstaller and perfect uninstaller scan the hard drive and registry for remnants of a program. They both have paid versions. If they don't give you the option of removing the files/registry contents you can always do that manually. Note: Do not mess with the registry if you don't know what you are doing and back it up. I don't know of anything more powerful than those (except for specialized software specific to malware removal) but I would be concerned that anything more powerful can permanently screw up Windows.
No, I use Revo Uninstaller exclusively for all software uninstalling. You have something else going on there. On the contrary, the newer version of Revo doesn't tick off the registry and other remnant files by default anymore. You have to do that yourself. Having said that, did you do this?
Like I already asked, if I know the names of the programs I can perhaps help. I can instruct you on how to delete the stuff from where it's at and if it's a service, registry start up, etc.
Note: Be careful with deleteing the so-called left over registry items. Sometimes other registry entries show up in the mix that are not related to the program that's being uninstalled. If you're not sure, skip it.
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