How can I remove a program that won't remove itself via the Add/Remove Programs window?

Question

I've tried in safe mode but that doesn't work...and it doesn't have an uninstall link in the menu. I think it's corrupt because it won't even start up in order to remove it!

Oh, and when I search and try and delete, it doesn't even want to know!

I need to remove all reference to it on start-up too...any ideas?

Oh, and I can't reinstall as I don't have the original program

Answer 1

This process will do it. It's a little tedious but hasn't failed yet.

Just substiture in the name of the program for the term "pesky".

DELETING PROBLEM FILES OR SOFTWARE FROM YOUR PC

Let’s assume the problem File/Software/Virus, etc. is named “Pesky” and you want to remove it from your PC.

Where ever you see the name “pesky” below, you will need to insert the actual name of the file/software/virus, etc. that you are trying to remove.

Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and remove any “PESKY” programs residing there.

Now click on Start > Search > For Files or Folders > All Files and Folders
type in “PESKY” in the top box and let the computer do a complete search of your hard drive.
When it is done, click on Edit at the top of the window and click on Select All
Then click on File and click on Delete. It will ask you if you want to remove them. Click on Yes.

If you want to REALLY finish the job:

NOTE: DON'T DO ANYTHING ELSE IN THE REGISTRY OTHER THAN WHAT I MENTION HERE. If you are not familiar with editing the registry and you do other things you may give yourself some big headaches.

Click on Start > Run >
type in regedit
click once on the very top directory in the left hand pane to hilite it.
Hold down Ctrl + F; this will open a search window
type in “PESKY” and then click on Find Next
when it finds an “PESKY” entry, right click on it and select Delete and yes. (Do this if it is a folder in the left hand pane or if it is an entry in the right hand pane)
Hold down Ctrl + F again and repeat the process until you have cleaned your registry of all “PESKY” items.
This may be a very tedious process so hang in there.

When you think you have it all out. Go back up to the top directory in the left pane, hilite it, and search for “PESKY” once again just to make sure you didn't miss any.

Once you are completely done. Reboot your PC. This will reset the registry without all the “PESKY” entries and you should be rid of your problem.

Reboot your pc and you should be all set.

Answer 2

Go into your main drive and then find the program files and open it. Then scroll down and find the folder of the application you want to remove. Then click on it and delete it.

This should only be a last resort though if it doesn't have an uninstall feature. Sometimes these programs can share other needed files. Just for safety sake make a copy of it and save it somewhere first so you can always reinstall it if something else goes wrong.

Answer 3

Sometimes you can insert the installation CD and remove the program.

Or, if you go into "my computer" and click on your main hard drive, you can get into your "programs" file. Find the program you want to uninstall and open it. There is sometimes an "uninstall" icon.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

If you're running Windows xp you could try doing a system restore, which restores your pc to an earlier time. Open the restore function which is in the accessories menu then restore your computer to a date before you installed the unwanted programme.

Answer 5

Write down (so you won't forget) the correct location for the program on the hard drive (path) like the following:
(drive:\path\program name)
Example: C:\Program Files\program name

Start up the (DOS) Command Screen.

Then type in the DOS Command screen the following:

CD \ (Don't forget the backslash, this brings you to the main directory, (folder),.don't type "ENTER", just hit it.)
DEL C:\Program Files\program name\*.*
(Don't forget the *.*, it means "everything")

RD Program Files\program name
(to remove the directory (folder))

EXIT (to return to Windows).
;-)

Answer 6

have you ever waited for it slow. looking on your working gadget, and form of courses put in, it may each from time to time take a quick together as for the pc to 'stumble on' and carry together the checklist.

Answer 7

maybe what you're talking about isn't installed but just there? If that's the case, do a computer search for it and just delete all the files.

Answer 8

try running a search on the program,,,when it comes up in the search results,,highlight and delete all things associated with it

Answer 9

Try to reinstall it,then try to delete it again.
Avatarxz

Answer 10

sometimes putting some programs in recycle bin after you drag them in they say would you like to unistall or something like that