How To: Completely Remove Software with Revo Uninstaller

revo_boxWindows only:  After testing questionable software, I sometimes wish I could completely obliterate any trace of its existence from my hard drive.  I don’t mean just removing the program files; I want to remove registry entries, temporary files, and anything it stored on my computer.

The built in Add/Remove Programs tool in Windows only runs the target application’s uninstaller, which doesn’t necessarily remove all files it stored on your computer.  Aside from only superficially removing software, I’ve found the Add/Remove Programs tool to be painfully slow to load my application list.

The solution is Revo Uninstaller, an incredibly meticulous tool that completely eradicates software from your system.  Revo Uninstaller uses an advanced algorithm to scan your hard drive for unnecessary files, folders, and registry keys left over from an installation, and can even remove broken installations.

Uninstalling software is very simple in Revo Uninstaller.  After opening the program, you will see icons for currently installed software (which can also be changed to a more detailed view by going to View > Details).  To begin the removal process, select the program and click the Uninstall button.

revouninstaller_uninstallbuttonRevo Uninstaller will provide you with several uninstall modes to determine the thoroughness of the uninstallation, ranging from ‘Built-in’ (uses the application’s uninstaller) to ‘Advanced’ (performs a deep scan to remove all traces of the program).  The default ‘Moderate’ setting should be appropriate for most situations.

revouninstaller_uninstalmodeAfter the main uninstallation process has finished, you will be given the option to remove any remaining program data in the registry.  Use caution with this setting, and if in doubt – leave it alone.

revouninstaller_leftoversrevouninstaller_huntermodeAn additional unique feature of Revo Uninstaller is Hunter mode, which lets you uninstall, delete, or kill the process of an application by targeting icons on the desktop, quick launch bar, system tray or even an open application.

To use Hunter mode, click the ‘Hunter Mode’ button in the top toolbar of Revo Uninstaller.  The program will be minimized and you will be left with a targeting reticule in the top right corner of your screen.  revouninstaller_hunter_recticleApplications can be uninstalled by dragging the program icon into the reticule, or you can click and drag the reticule itself to any running application (even applications in your system tray or toolbar).

revouninstaller_hunter_draganddrop

Revo Uninstaller includes several other useful tools such as Autorun Manager (select which programs start with your computer), system tools and tweaks, a junk files manager (similar to CCleaner), and Tracks Cleaner (removes personal information from your computer).

revouninstaller_additionaltools

For more information, check out the program’s feature list or user guide.  Revo Uninstaller is a free tool for Windows.  [Download]


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4 responses to “How To: Completely Remove Software with Revo Uninstaller”

  1. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Techerator. Techerator said: How To: Completely Remove Software with Revo Uninstaller http://goo.gl/fb/HZjhz […]

  2. […] Another easy way to remove software on all versions of Windows is to use Revo Uninstaller.  Revo Uninstaller allows you to easily remove software from your PC.  Revo Uninstaller will do a thorough job too, removing registry entries and other temporary files associated with the software you are removing.  Read more about Revo Uninstaller in our guide. […]

  3. David Carman Avatar

    I’ve had several friends use this article to help them remove software, thanks for the info and the great guide Evan!

  4. anil Avatar
    anil

    If you would like to have an easy to use tool to completely uninstall any of your programs (including the registry files that they create), then you should definitely try Mirekusoft uninstaller. This reliable application is a very efficient way of expanding the life span of your Windows operating system.

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