Force uninstall

Question

I have an app that does not uninstall. It requires the installer file to uninstall, but I can't find it. So, how can I force the uninstallation of an application?

Thank you

Answer 1

It would help greatly if you told us the app name and what windows flavor you're using. Usually if you have old files and reg settings that need to be cleared-out ccleaner (freeware) does the trick.

I've also heard good things about Revo Uninstaller (freeware)

update

Also, specific for your problem, there is a technote at the adobe site for an uninstaller for Adobe Flash: http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/141/tn_14157.html

Answer 2

One simple way is to re-download the application, reinstall the program, and then uninstall it.

Answer 3

Firstly it really does depend what application it is, some apps like Norton have an application you can download to remove the application, so its worth checking that.

If that doesn't work then the apps that l0c0b0x suggested will often fix this problem for you.

Finally if that doesn't work, you will need to manually remove the files for the application and then manually remove their entrys from the registry.

Usually warning that editing your registry can break your PC, always backup beforehand

The three most common places for applicaiton data to be stored are:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE.
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE.
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES

-EDIT

As SeanyBoy points out, the uninstaller for Norton can be found here