Deleting Programs From 'Program Files'

[Hugh]

First, let me set aside the obvious so we can focus on the
problem as it exists. 'Add/Remove' works ... but only if
the application program that you want to remove appears
within the 'Add/Remove' window. Now, I have noticed that
even though I have configured my desktop (in Classic mode)
to show all the programs under 'All Programs' ... that
when I go to 'Add/Remove', most of the application
programs remain invisible.

The problem is that I need to uninstall certain programs
that were installed under 'Program Files' -- while not
knowing that the problem of removal would exist. The
problem is compounded by the fact that, though it is
accessible from 'All Programs' the 'uninstall' function of
the program to be removed does not work. Hence, short of
deleting the entire application program manually and
creating other problems, how do you find and remove the
programs that do not appear within the 'Add/Remove' screen?

 

[rifleman]

First, let me set aside the obvious so we can focus on the
problem as it exists. 'Add/Remove' works ... but only if
the application program that you want to remove appears
within the 'Add/Remove' window. Now, I have noticed that
even though I have configured my desktop (in Classic mode)
to show all the programs under 'All Programs' ... that
when I go to 'Add/Remove', most of the application
programs remain invisible.

What has the desktop got to do with a Control panel applet?

 

[Kelly]

Hi Hugh,

Troubleshooting, Removing and/or Cleaning Add or Remove Programs
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_a.htm#addremove

 

[Alex Nichol]

The problem is that I need to uninstall certain programs
that were installed under 'Program Files' -- while not
knowing that the problem of removal would exist. The
problem is compounded by the fact that, though it is
accessible from 'All Programs' the 'uninstall' function of
the program to be removed does not work. Hence, short of
deleting the entire application program manually and
creating other problems, how do you find and remove the
programs that do not appear within the 'Add/Remove' screen?

Not all older programs set up an Add/Remove entry when installed. Quite
a lot of those though do have an Uninstall program that is left in their
own folder - it may be Uninst; Uninstall or UnWise depending on the
install program used. So look for that.

If there isn't one, you get reduced to deleting the programs folder, any
entry in the Start - All Programs, and running regeddit.exe to delete
any sub-key relating to it (usually under the maker's name) at
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
or
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\