Generic instructions for manually removing an application?

[Mike]

GOOGLING around, I can see instructions for manually removing specific
software.
Has anyone seen a generic description of the steps required (and how to
perform each) to remove software? Let's not use the Add/Remove wizard.
- Mike

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Sure, he's a generic description of the steps required to remove software:

1. Remove files and folders belonging to the application.
2. Remove registry entries belonging to the application.

That'll do it almost every time*. But if you want to reduce the chances of
damaging your system, you'll use Add or Remove Programs. If the program you
want to uninstall doesn't have an entry in 'A or R' use the program's own
uninstaller.

*Of course, if you have a rootkit you'll need to erase your hard disk and
start from scratch.

 

[Mike]

Ted - thanks for the reply.
#1 doesn't sound difficult, but how do I determine #2?
(Reason I'm pursuing this is I'm not sure an "uninstall" program came
with the install CD) - Mike

 

[Ted Zieglar]

#1 is very difficult.
#2 is extremely difficult.

My point was: Don't try to manually uninstall software.

Legitimate software comes with an uninstaller (or uninstall instructions, in
the case of very simple programs.)