Clearing unwanted programs completely

I was wondering if there is a good way to go about completely cleaning off residual components of programs removed from my system. AOL is one of my main concerns. I've uninstalled it and cleaned most of it's folders from my system, but there are still a ton of AOL references in my registry.

I've also recently cleaned off a bunch of spyware, and my system is running well but when I run Panda Active Scan it still says I have traces of SideSearch and WinTools. I did a search for Lycos in my registry and found some instances of it still residing in my registry - and I promptly deleted those, which may have taken care of SideSearch. But I can't find any cases of WinTools in the registry or elsewhere. Should I be searching for the company that produced it, and does anyone know what company that is? I'm going to do more research.

As a side note, I'm looking for a program that will edit the properties of media files such as MP3s and WMVs. Know a good one?

 

I removed all things AOL from my pc, and yes, in the end I went into the registry and individually deleted all the remaining items I found. So if you're careful I'd recommend doing same and be rid of AOL in total. Maybe others can address your other posted concerns.

 

>> I was wondering if there is a good way to go about completely cleaning off residual components of programs removed from my system. AOL is one of my main concerns. I've uninstalled it and cleaned most of it's folders from my system, but there are still a ton of AOL references in my registry. << owlbug

There is a freeware cleaner which is called: CCleaner is available right here at Major Geeks. If you haven't already installed it; you should definitely give it a try. It is especially helpful for anyone who installs/reinstalls or removes programs on a regular basis.

Cleaner offers several options like removing entries that are left in the Windows Registry but are obsolete that go nowhere. And CCleaner works wonders removing other various program 'leftovers' which aren't removed after you attempt to uninstall programs and utilities.

You can also CCleaner to get rid of the "hidden" temporary files and other junk files from your system and free up even more space. Use the CLEANER and ISSUES options to thoroughly clean out anything that may have left behind after you uninstalled AOL.

Click here for a Quick Tutorial/Tour regarding how to use CCleaner after it is installed.

Note: If you have never used CCleaner before; you should be made aware of the fact that when you first attempt to install; it offers the "option" of installing Yahoo Search Toolbar. However, you may either choose to have it installed or not - by simply unchecking [or checking] that option during the installation process.

>> As a side note, I'm looking for a program that will edit the properties of media files such as MP3s and WMVs. Know a good one? owlbug <<

Try this freeware utility: MP3 Tag Editor which is Windows tool which allows a user to edit the tag information in MP3 music files, such as artist, track title, album name, etc. [I'm not really sure if it works with WMVs].

Good Luck!

 

There are other builds of CCleaner available. The basic edition includes multi-language support, and no toolbar. The slim edition is english only and has no toolbar.

 

I have a related question--is it advisable to remove programs that the manufacturer installed? For instance, just bought a new Dell and they have all this crap on it: AOL, even Windows Media Center (of which I didn't request so it doesn't even work!). Is it better to leave them on or take them off? By the same token, I've updated my Adobe Reader. Although the old versions aren't in my add/remove folder, they're still sitting in my program folders. Should I scrap them too, or does that cause problems?

I've used CCleaner and found it easy and efficient.

 

Heh, I do this on a regular basis! I've never had problems removing all the extra crap Dell includes. I can't think of any reason why you shouldn't remove it!

 

I'll do it right now! It's just a bit intimidating to a newbie like me. But this board has given me super powers!

 

So it is ok to remove the prvious versions of Adobe? I just gutted the AOL portion of my registry. If I'm still around after reboot I'll have a glimmer of happiness.

I've used CCleaner on a regular basis for the past week or two, once I clean up my computer I'm going to do a complete clean up once more and then only periodically.

Oh, and thanks for the info on MP3 tag editor, I think that is exactly what I was looking for.

 

>> I have a related question--is it advisable to remove programs that the manufacturer installed? For instance, just bought a new Dell and they have all this crap on it: AOL, even Windows Media Center (of which I didn't request so it doesn't even work!). Is it better to leave them on or take them off? Should I scrap them too, or does that cause problems? writermom<<

Have you heard about the "Dell De-Crapifier" tool?

There is was a recent webpage article by a developer who bought a new DELL and was so distressed about all of the time it took to remove all of the 'extra' useless software installed; he decided to create a script in the form of a "removal tool" which was specifically designed to eradicate/remove all of the unwanted "trialware" software from a Dell PC. According to the author, it can be run on a new DELL PC to get rid of all the trialware that comes pre-installed and it runs completely unattended.

You can find out more about this "Dell De-Crapifier" tool here:
Introducing the Dell De-Crapifier - [basic introduction; why the tool was developed, etc]
The Dell De-Crapifier Download Page - [has d/l link and lists trialware programs that are removed]
Dell De-Crapifier Follow-up Page - [follow up to the two other articles].

Note: I've never actually used this too and therefore cannot vouch for the author’s claims regarding its capability. Be sure to read all of the information on all of the webpages listed above prior to actually trying the Dell De-Crapifier tool; so that you can get the most out of using it.

Very Important Note: As a precaution make sure to Create a System Restore Point before you use the Dell De-Crapifier on your computer. Should something go wrong; this will allow you to return your computer settings to the state your PC was in - prior to removing the unwanted trialware. It takes like 30 seconds to perform a System Restore Point and can save you many hours of headaches and frustration; should something unforeseen go wrong during the uninstall process.

 

Hot Damn! You just made my day COMPUABLE! (heheh 6 dell machines on their way to me... )

 

Hey COMPUABLE in your travels throughout the ether have you come across a similar program for COMPAQ, got rid of some, but others I am afraid to delete.

PS Thanks for all your postings, learned alot from yours and Mada Milty and others

 

>> Hey COMPUABLE in your travels throughout the ether have you come across a similar program for COMPAQ, got rid of some, but others I am afraid to delete. PS Thanks for all your postings, learned alot from yours and Mada Milty and others << BCGray

Oh, anytime BCGray. My pleasure, really!

To answer your follow-up question... No, unfortunately I haven’t seen any similar tool [or scripts] out there for easily and quickly uninstalling Compaq bloatware. Compaq’s numerous pre-installed softwares can really tax the computers resources quite a bit. Because so many of these can run in the background and/or phone home over the internet for updates or pop up tooltips, messages and prompts, they can be quite bothersome and often unnecessarily hog the PC system memory or at least use quite a bit of system memory.

Almost all of the "brand-name" computers these days come with additional preinstalled, "free" junkware software which most often are not actually free, but are nagware trial versions which require payment before they'll work past a certain time, or before all their features are unlocked. The brand-name computer companies 'claim' that by installing these junkware programs; they are able to lower the final retail price of the computer, but I'm but buying that argument. You can bet they get a huge payoff by the junkware software developers and the consumer gets pennies on the dollar from that arrangement.

By using msconfig you can edit the initial start-up programs or visit my recent post regarding Start Up Helpers; which lists a few useful utilities that can help you at least "disable" these types of programs from starting automatically whenever you boot-up or reboot.

Additional Note: I've noticed that more recently; other than the OS restore disk [and drivers] on CD; Compaq often does not issue the CDs for pre-installed software, like some other manufacturers still do. Therefore you should make absolutely certain that you actually do not want these programs and utilities - before you decide to uninstall anything - because you will not be able to reinstall them if you do not have the programs Install CDs.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks COMPUABLE, as per usual your posts are helpful and concise

 

Dell, Dell, Dell every time I hear that name I feel a quiver down my spine. Majorgeeks recently posted an article on how Dell systems were being delivered to the consumers with preloaded SPYWARE and then trying to charge $49 to remove it. Frankly they should be called this Co. should opt for a name change to Dodgy for doing this to the public:

http://www.michaelrighi.com/2005/07/21/dell-spyware-my-way/

Although a bit dated it may still be occuring (MG only had it 2-3 weeks ago).

 

Deligence has paid off (along with a heap of help from Major Geeks). Panda found no trace of spyware tonight after a long day of careful weeding, pulling out suspicious files and registry bits. Thanks Major Geeks and Shadow_Puter_Dude.

 

Just a quick note on Adobe Reader. Its latest iterations are terribly bloaty and I have found that Foxit PDF reader(free) is a much better alternative. After downloading and using I very quickly got rid of Adobe. Should be available here at MG if not guys and gels do google for it.
HTH
Robert

 

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Foxit_Reader_d4763.html

 

The quick tutorial of CCleaner is great! Thanks!
abri

 

I tried this, but it didn't get rid of McAfee, which was my main goal, so I can't say how it works.

I was wondering, does anyone know how to get rid of the nagware popup that comes up for RealPlayer whenever I load AOL?
abri

 

Abri I think if you try PC-De-Crapifier a spin-off of the Dell version you will get rid of McAfee the link is here http://www.majorgeeks.com/PC_De-Crapifier_d5223.html.
As for Real Player and AOL hey what can I say other than to AOL sorry that isn't what you want to hear, but AOL is an "Old" thorn in my side for way to long. Hope that helps, and keep spinning.