Removing programs not in Control Panel

On a Windows 7 desktop computer and also on a Windows XP SP3 laptop computer I have some programs installed that are not listed in the Programs and Features section of Control Panel. How do I remove those programs? Is there a good software to remove those programs? I once purchased REVO Uninstaller. Even though I consider myself mid-level in computer technology I found the REVO program to be quite unnerving. I was afraid to delete some things because I did not have a thorough enough understanding through the REVO program as to what it was that I would be removing. Therefore risking boggling up the operating system(s).

I also had the same hesitation on programs that I had previously uninstalled. I was not certain if I would be removing a feature/file that would not be from a previously uninstalled program.

Is there a known program and/or procedure that will be more intuitive or exhibit greater clarity as to what I would be doing by removing a given feature/file?

A lot of times I use REGEDIT.EXE to go thru the registry and delete all references to a program - even after uninstalling a program thru Control Panel. HOWEVER - using Regedit.exe to remove leftover registry entries does not allow me to see/remember the programs that I removed months back that might have leftover files and registry entries.

My reason for this post inquiry is to clean up two computers as best as possible without reinstalling the operating systems and then only all necessary programs.

Can anyone shed some helpful light on this subject?

Thank you,

Dekade

 

What are the programs?

Did you try running adware, spyware removal and antivirus software?

If you think they are malware, check the Malware Removal section and run the relevant scans for your OS. And sound like they are malware, because any legitimate software, not part of your OS should show up in Add/Remove programs list.

 

Hi my friend , you can go to

C:\Program Files

to find and delete the files of the programmes , you can also run an on line scanner

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=148841 :wave

 

Thanks for replying BlueJay. The programs are not malware. They are just various programs that I have installed over the past years. They are programs that I tried for a day or so and then simply did not want anymore. As for the programs that I have already uninstalled I don't remember what they were but I have a feeling that bits and pieces remain in the registry. I realize it is not a real defined issue here but still I am wondering if there is some software and/or procedure out there that can help me.

 

Hi FalconAttack,

Nice to hear from you again. I can't really remember but I think (I'm not certain) that I had problems with BitDefender (your link given to me) at one time. Is there another software option you know of?

I remember doing the C:\Program Files thingy clear back in Windows 3.1! That process would still require me to go thru REGEDIT.EXE wouldn't it - to be completely certain of full removal?

Also, again, what about left over stuff in the registry from previous uninstalls that I can't remember the program names of?

Dekade

 

falconattack,

I just ran the Bitdefender scan as you requested and linked. It did not find any infections. What should I do next?

Dekade

 

Revo is the best there is and there is nothing to be afraid of. I use the Free version and my Registry scan section is set to the highest (thorough). I let the programme select the lot... all the BOLD ones and all the ordinary ones, press delete and they are gone but be aware that even though you select ALL Revo only removes the BOLD ones. With folders I select the lot and DELETE. I have never had a failure yet. You are more likely to make an error by selectively going through the Registry as you have been doing.

 

There are two problems a) Revo does not list 64 bit versions of installed programs unless you buy the Pro version b) Revo will not list something that is "removed" and not showing in the Programs list.
The OP already "uninstalled" these programs and doesn't remember the names so he/she wants to remove the bits and pieces of these forgotten programs. Revo will be fine for future installs but not for uninstalls of programs done in the past.

 

plodr, You are right on the money with your input. Now - if we can only figure out how what to use to take out those past uninstalls! ...

 

Ewen, thanks for your reply. 'plodr' has spoken of the same issues I have experienced.

 

2 options;
either go the windows/programs and delete the left over files manually,
or re-install the programs that you uninstalled and then use revo to uninstall them.

 

Blujay, there are no entries in Programs, that's why he is unsure how to remove the leftovers except sorting through the registry.

2nd item: he doesn't remember the names so he can't reinstall something he tried by downloading on the internet.

The best you can hope for is to stumble across a forgotten and removed program, either on the internet or when looking for something else on your computer, then search for it using this http://www.voidtools.com/
In the meantime you'll have to live with any leftover bits and pieces.
and remove the registry entries it finds.

 

plodr,

Yeah, I guess you are right. I thought there might be some kinda software solution out there. However, understanding the logistics also tells me that I'm kinda stuck with the goods. Anyway, thanks so much for trying to help me. You understood right where I was at and coming from. Bluejay - thanks for your assistance.

Dekade