uninstalling

[chrissiehope]

I'm trying to do some long overdue housekeeping by getting rid of programs I don't use. There are some (e.g. iPass) that don't show up on the 'ad/remove programs', or on RevoUninstall - how can I remove these ? I tried to remove software that is associated with a printer I no longer have, using the uninstall option from the start menu, but that comes up with an error message (ISO15 - GetModelInformation - 7)

Also, there are some programs with names I don't recognise - apart from opening them in turn how can I find out what they are for/do ? Google the name ?

[gerryh]

Are the programs you are trying to uninstall 32 bit or 64 bit?
The free version of RevoUninstall doesn't "see" 64 bit programs, the paid for version does.
Iobit uninstaller from http://www.iobit.com/en/advanceduninstaller.php is a good free uninstaller.
Cheers
Gerry

[markwilding]

Sometimes it's just better to reinstall Windows and start again. it's much easier with Windows 10 than before which allows you to keep all your files.
Just in case, you should back them up to a partition, a hard drive or the cloud before you start.

Then go to settings>update and security>recovery and click into the reset this PC option (Get Started). In the new window click Keep my Files.
When it's completed, just install the programs you need, For example use windows print drivers and download the windows scan app from the app store to avoid bloated software which will just slow your PC down.

Unless you are a photo buff, use Google photos to help you organise your photos which is all done on the cloud.

[Enrique]

Hi chrissiehope,
Some light reading..........should be within your pay grade...........

For programs not showing up in Add/Remove Programs.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/247515

[chrissiehope]

Thanks guys

Gerry - I'm not sure - I guess Enrique would have a better idea as he has seen the inner workings !!!
Mark - sorry, not a chance - I'm on Windows XP, and I wouldn't dare try uninstalling & reinstalling Windows
Enrique - I'll take a look tomorrow.

I thought it would be a nice little job to get done over the holiday weekend - yeah, right !

[Chunky Monky]

Are the programs you are trying to uninstall 32 bit or 64 bit?
The free version of RevoUninstall doesn't "see" 64 bit programs, the paid for version does.
Iobit uninstaller from http://www.iobit.com/en/advanceduninstaller.php is a good free uninstaller.
Cheers
Gerry

I didn't know that about 64 bit and free RevoUninstall. Thanks Gerry.

[Enrique]

Hi C M,
You would easily see that "Feature" of the Free version if you use it on 64bit system as the 64bit programs would be missing.
I use it on 64bit systems..might lash out on a copy for my new system...........had a busman's holiday over the Bank Holiday weekend and put one together from selected bits.......What a change from my 12year old hand me downs......., near silent and super fast....

[ebbnflow]

Some programmes have there own uninstall folder contained within. If you navigate to the programme's main folder, open that you may find an "uninstall..." application file there.

Another option, especially with printer and anti-virus programmes is obtaining a "cleaner" download from the provider. You then run that and it cleans out everything to do with that programme.

[gerryh]

Are the programs you are trying to uninstall 32 bit or 64 bit?
The free version of RevoUninstall doesn't "see" 64 bit programs, the paid for version does.
Iobit uninstaller from http://www.iobit.com/en/advanceduninstaller.php is a good free uninstaller.
Cheers
Gerry

I didn't know that about 64 bit and free RevoUninstall. Thanks Gerry.

I believe the latest version Ver 2.0 of the free version of RevoUninstall does now "see" 64 bit programs.
Cheers
Gerry

[Enrique]

Good info Gerry............

"Revo Uninstaller Free is fully compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows Server "

When running Revouninstaller let it complete, the Uninstaller from the program may want to Reboot before Revo has finished.