How to Remove All Traces of a Program

All computers come pre-installed with a number of programs. Many go virtually unused by computer owners. Additionally, users can add programs that quickly wear out their usefulness, If any of these programs are no longer needed, there is a simple process for removing them. Removal is not as easy as right-clicking and deleting a program to remove it from a computer; unless all traces of the program is deleted, the program will remain on the hard drive.

Instructions

1. In Windows, click the "Start" button located on the bottom left corner of the computer's desktop. From the menu that opens, click "Control Panel" from the second column.

2. Click on the icon titled; "Programs and Features." From the list of programs that appear in the window, scroll through and highlight the program that you want to remove.

3. Locate the toolbar at the top of the window and select "Uninstall." Click "OK" from the alert window that pops up asking if you are sure you want to remove the program. After a message appears that says the program has been uninstalled, restart your computer.

4. Check your computer's "Program Files" to make sure that all traces of the program have been deleted. Click the "Start" button once again, only this time, select "Computer" from the list of options that appear.

5. Double-click the "C-Drive" of your computer and then double click the "Program Files" folder from the list that opens. Scroll through the Program Files window and look for any folder that has the named of the program you wanted removed. Right-click and delete any folder of the program that remains and restart your computer once again. After reloading, all traces of the program will be removed.

References

• Microsoft Support