Can't uninstall some software

[Computer Deb]

On my primary pc, I have a number of programs that I don't use anymore. Some of them take up alot of space.

I am having issues uninstalling these programs through my WIN XP and the control panel. It may not find the original program, even when I have the original CD in the drive.

What else can I try? As an example, I have two versions of Corel Word Perfect on my system. Even with the disc, it can't find the right program.

It's frustrating. Suggestions?

[Sylvander]

Instructions below suit my OS, which is Win2000Pro.
Alter to suit XP.

1. Open Windows Explorer, Right-click on the drive that holds Windows and Programs [C:?], click "Search...".

2. In the search window...
It should have the "Look in:" box displaying C: [See screenshot 1 below]
In the box titled "Search for files or folders named:" type *unins*.exe and click the "Search Now" button.
This should produce a not-too-long list of search results.

3. Start at the BOTTOM of the list and work up.
Look for folder names of programs you are interested in uninstalling.
To the left of the folder there should be an uninstaller exe file held inside the folder. [See screenshot 2 below]
You only need to run that exe file to uninstall that program held in that folder.
You can run it either from the search page or the folder in Windows Explorer.
It would be wise to check it out before going ahead.
There may be multiple versions of the same program each in their own separate installation folder.
You may need to navigate to each of those folders and check the version of the main program [exe] file to see which is most up-to-date, and keep that installation.

[Computer Deb]

I wasn't able to find any of the programs. I am also having an issue with a demo version of Stuff It expander. I chose not to buy it. and it has somehow established itself as the default open program. So I will have programs stop while installing because I don't have a license for it.

Any other suggestions?

[mjc]

If you have the install disk for a program you are no longer using and it won't uninstall, then use the disk to reinstall the program...over top of the existing install (this is critical, so don't just accept the 'basic'/'default' install, always go for the 'custom'). Then, immediately uninstall the program, right after the reboot, if it needed one.

As for the StuffIt...it should have an uninstall entry on Add/Remove. If it doesn't revert the settings back, then you can use a 'registry' fix to return the XP defaults or install a different third party archive utility...my preferred one is Izarc (http://www.izarc.org/) (about a gazillion formats, context menu add-ons, so all you need to do is right click and have a host of options, free, easy to use, free, no nags...)

Another good one is 7-zip (http://www.7-zip.org/).

[Paul Komski]

Various 3rd party tools and reg cleaners exist to help with uninstallation and none of them are perfect or without risk.

I have however had some good results with RevoUninstaller (http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html), which has a number of approaches and can break up its actions into stages.