A better software uninstaller

Martin Brinkmann
Oct 29, 2007
Updated • Feb 17, 2013
Software, Windows
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5

I was always puzzled by the fact that uninstallers would not delete all data, folders and files created by an installation script but would leave traces of that program on the system. What sense does it make to keep registry settings, config files or empty folders on the system if the user opts to remove the software ?

Revo Uninstaller steps in and provides a way to remove those leftovers. This is done by scanning the system before and after the software uninstallation process displaying leftovers that contain the name of the uninstalled software. Those leftovers can then be selected and removed as well effectively cleaning your system from those unneeded files.

The uninstaller scans your system for installed softwares and displays them with icons by default. This can be changed to display names only or details that add information like version number and size to the list. A right-click gives the user the choice to uninstall the software, to remove it, to search the Internet for information about it, to open its folder on the hard drive or the registry key.

Revo Uninstaller starts the normal uninstallation routine if the user chooses to uninstall the software and displays all leftover registry settings and files afterwards. Not all of those displayed can be deleted however. It is for instance not advised to uninstall files that are used by other applications as well which means the user has to know if a file or registry setting is still needed.

A rule of thumb would be to delete all files and folders that have been in the same folder as the software that has been uninstalled. Most registry settings can be removed as well, especially start menu entries, shell extensions that used the software and the like.

Independently from the uninstaller are several other options in Revo Uninstaller. Most center around deleting junk and temporary files and ways to securely delete files.

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Comments

  1. Alfred said on October 30, 2007 at 2:32 pm
    Reply

    ive been using CCleaner to uninstall programs and it seems to be doing a good job, will give this a try too

  2. Roman ShaRP said on October 30, 2007 at 10:29 am
    Reply

    Tested it and find, that it displays only first ~50 installed programs. It’s no good. I got much more.

    So I’m using Safarp 0.5 {instead of “Add/Remove” – it is VERY quick} and MyUninst.

  3. Mosey said on October 30, 2007 at 4:23 am
    Reply

    I’m actually using that at the moment! Maybe I read about it here, can’t remember actually, but yup, can assure everyone it does what it says on the tin. I’d be a bit careful with deleting registry entries though (Revo in my newbie experience is usually quite accurate) but it’s worth checking sometimes, just incase.

    For instance, I just decided to uninstall Truecrypt, and Revo scanned the registry and picked up a TONNE of files that had no relevance to Truecrypt. A one off though I’m sure! :D

    Highly recommended as it loads quickly and doesn’t take up too much space.

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