Revo Uninstaller is a free software package that will help keep your computer clean from those files that like to stick around after a program is supposedly uninstalled. Revo Uninstaller will essentially replace your Add/Remove Programs component in the Control Panel.
Revo Uninstaller works simply: It launches a program’s uninstaller and runs through the normal process. After that, it runs its own scan to find any files that the program has left behind. From files to registry keys, it then gives you the option to delete these left over entities.
Let’s run through an example of uninstalling Adobe Reader 9.
Launching Revo Uninstaller gives you an interface similar to Add/Remove Programs and you can switch the View to Icon, List, or Details. Just click on the program you want to uninstall and click the Uninstall button at the top.
I clicked on Adobe Reader 9 and hit the Uninstall button.
This gives you the option to specify the depth you want Revo to operate at, it can either just run the built-in uninstaller for a program or scan for the left-over files at 3 different depths. I chose Advanced for this example. This will scan for all locations, not just likely places.
After selecting the Uninstall Mode, it will create a System Restore point (I have this disabled on my machine.) and launch the built-in uninstaller for the program.
You will choose all the options you want through the standard uninstaller and then be able to finish it out.
After the standard uninstaller completes, Revo Uninstaller will go to work and start scanning for left-over files.
Revo reports the files and registry keys it found. To my surprise (and for the benefit of this example), it appears Adobe left behind a key in the Registry. This key associates a file type to open up with the no longer available Adobe Reader 9. Check the boxes if you want to remove the remaining key and hit the Delete button. The report will then update to reflect the changes.
If you install and uninstall a variety of programs, Revo Uninstaller can help keep your machine from getting bogged down and cluttered from obsolete, out-of-use files and registry keys left behind, at your choosing.
I’d recommend installing Revo Uninstaller and using it instead of Add/Remove Programs from here on out.
Download Revo Uninstaller for free.