uninstall vs. add remove programs

I was wondering what the uninstall feature of software does that is not done by the add/remove feature of windows xp. I assume it is better to use the uninstall feature (when there is one included). Also if that option is not available what do you guys use to get rid of old software you no longer want.

 

I'm pretty sure that add/remove programs just launches the program's uninstaller. It just puts all the uninstallers in one place.

 

I have seen programs such as mcafee quick clean which has a section for removing programs and or checking for remnants of a program that the uninstaller missed. Are this worth bothering with or is it just better to use the included uninstaller?

 

Thanks guys that clears it up for me!

 

Plus, a lot of uninstallers don't do a complete uninstall if the program has been patched after the install, leaving a few odds & ends in the program folder. Games are great for this. After doing a proper uninstall, it's fine to go into Explorer & manually delete the folder & leftovers.

 

In my (limited experience) I have found that a program's Uninstall calls the same functions as the list in Add/Remove Programs (via the Control Panel).
But I'd add that either is just as effective as long as you use a decent registry cleaner. -Just my personal experience but I *think* many folks who are more in the know will agree.
Yours,
522.

 

Hi dewback. Check out MyUninstaller from http://nirsoft.mirrorz.com/