You could now go ahead and uninstall those applications manually which could take quite some time. The time depends largely on the number and type of applications on the system.

Some users prefer an automated solution, and one of the best programs for the job is PC Decrapifier. Last reviewed in 2008, and updated two days ago, it is time to take a new look at the application.

PC Decrapifier is a portable software for computer systems running Windows. It is compatible with all recent versions of the Microsoft operating system including 64-bit editions. The program walks you right through the steps to remove software that you do not need from the PC it is executed on. It suggests to create a System Restore point before the actual process. While that does not guarantee that everything can be restored, it is a good to take precautions if something goes haywire during the removal.

PC Decrapifier first scans for applications that is has listed in its list of applications that users do not necessarily want on their systems.

Programs identified this way are displayed in list form after the scan. Each program is listed with its name and a short description which should give the user enough indicators to determine whether the program is of use or not. Some, all or no programs can be selected for removal on this screen.

Some of the common programs that are identified by PC Decrapifier are the MSN Toolbar, ASK Toolbar, Microsoft Silverlight, Acrobat.com, Acer Registration, HP Advisor, Skype Toolbars or Dell’s Getting Started Guide. A list of the top 50 applications is available on the PC Decrapifier homepage.

All installed programs are displayed in the second step. Here it is possible to select programs that have not been picked up by the automatic application scan in the first step of the process. This is handy to add programs to the list of programs to be removed from the PC or laptop that have not been identified automatically by the PC software.

It is interesting to note that PC Decrapifier can be used as a batch software uninstaller, as it is possible to add multiple programs to the uninstallation list.

PC Decrapifier is a handy tool for users who have bought a new PC or notebook that shipped with many programs that they do not need or want on their hard drive. It is also a great tool for users who want to uninstall multiple programs from a Windows operating system in one go.

PC Decrapifier launches the uninstallers of all selected programs in the end. The latest version of PC Decrapifier is available on the developer homepage. It is free for personal, non-commercial use.

Arp++ is a portable software program that promises to do better. Running Arp++ next to the default uninstallation module visualizes the latter problem. The uninstaller displays additional software programs that the default Windows uninstallation module is not displaying at all.

The program falls a bit short on options. It is possible to hide updates from the list of programs that can be uninstalled in Windows. That’s usually a good start as it makes it easier to skim through the rest of applications listed. Programs can be removed by selecting them and clicking on the Remove button.

Arp++ does not offer advanced features (like scanning the computer system for leftovers after installation) that other uninstallers like Revo Uninstaller offer. It is on the other hand more responsive than the default Remove Programs module in Windows. The developer is offering a 32-bit and 64-bit edition of Arp++ on the homepage.

If you go into the Control Panel in Windows Vista you will not find Add / Remove Programs like in Windows XP and there is also no SYSOC.INF file where you can remove the HIDE parameter to add more windows components to the Add / Remove Programs menu.

The function in Windows Vista is called Turn Windows Features on or off and is available in the Programs and Features menu. There is however a huge difference. You might have noticed the on or off phrase and that is exactly what is happening. The component is not uninstalled and still on the hard drive if you select to turn a feature off.

There is only one known way to remove Windows components permanently and that would mean to prepare a special installation DVD with vlite. This means lots of work however and most users will not feal it is worth it.

You can however remove lots of Windows components this way including the Windows Firewall, Windows Media Player and Windows Mail.