A question, last week, from a regular reader of this site, started me thinking about the issues faced by typical computer users when they need to, or want to, remove existing security applications which they are replacing with a product perhaps more suited to their needs.
In some cases, removing the application through the Windows Add/Remove applet is a sheer waste of time. Worse, some security application’s own uninstaller will not adequately remove various and sundry registry entries, coupled with hidden files, making it all but impossible to install the user’s new application of choice – due to conflicts with these same registry entries and hidden files.
For example, I recently installed Norton 360 for testing purposes. After the test period, I had extreme difficulty in removing this program, despite the fact I had used my favorite freeware uninstaller utility, Revo Uninstaller.
Now, I’m not picking on Norton, they offer outstanding products; but, I’ve certainly dealt with applications that are far easier to remove.
While it’s true that selective companies do offer a unique uninstaller to remove their applications, including Norton, in my view, there has to be a better way; and there is.
AppRemover a powerful anti-malware, antivirus application remover from OPSWAT, Inc. is currently in Release Candidate form, but supports the removal of virtually all of the most popular antivirus and antispyware applications.
Since the application is a stand-alone application, running from a USB drive is a breeze.
The interface couldn’t be any easier to understand, as the following graphics illustrate.
Quick Facts:
Use AppRemover:
When replacing one security application with another
When competing security applications tie up your computer
When the application’s built-in uninstall process fails
When you have forgotten the application password
Uninstalls the following application types:
Antivirus
Antispyware
This is a great little tool, and I’ve added it to my “emergency tool kit”, on a USB drive. If you are tech inclined, and even if you’re not, I recommend that you do too.
System Requirements: Windows 2000, 2003, XP (32 / 64 bit), Vista (32 / 64 bit), 2008, Windows 7 beta
Download at: Download.com
Note: AppRemover is free for your personal, non-commercial, use only.
Bill Mullins' Weblog - Tech Thoughts 
Thanks! This is going right onto my portable toolkit.
You’re absolutely correct: some of these require special tools to be run for complete (successful) removal, and often they will remove every program with that brand name..
TechPaul.
It’s true, there are days when this type of activity can be downright frustrating and this tool can definitely help with that.
Thanks for the comment.
Bill
Bill,
This app is pretty sweet and is a necessary tool in removing security products… Great writeup!
I love this sort of stuff…
Rick
One more tool to add to the toolbox, which is already almost full!
Thanks Rick.
Bill
Hi Bill,
Looks nice. I have also used Revo in the past, but have seen it struggling sometimes. Let’s see how AppRemover performs.
Silki
Hey Silki,
This is a great application that does the one thing its designed to do, very well.
Bill
That was a great tip Bill. Thanks.
Thanks for dropping by popch.
Bill
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