Free Menu Uninstaller Pro 1.30 – Uninstall Applications From The Context (Right Click) Menu

If you’re a power user, and a fan of the right click context menu, then you might consider adding MenuUninstaller Pro to your setup.

MenuUninstaller Pro is a free Context Menu alternative to the Windows Add or Remove Programs applet, which will allow you to quickly uninstall an application without having to search out an application’s native uninstaller (assuming there is one).

I’ve reviewed this application several times but, there have been significant improvements to this freebie since I last looked at MenuUninstaller.

Installing:

A not unfamiliar sight – Consider carefully as to whether installation is in your best interest.

Should you choose not to install the Babylon Toolbar, the setup executable for this component will still be installed to a temp file. This type of behavior is much more common in freeware applications than users realize and, unless a HIPS component  flashes a warning – it’s probable that you will not be aware of what’s happening in the background.

Illustrated – PC Tools Firewall popup.

This is not harmful behavior. If you like you can open the file, using Notepad, for example, to take a quick peek.

Notepad view – it’s not necessary for you to read machine language. Generally, there is sufficient information (in plain old English), which will allow you to get a handle on what you’re dealing with.

A quick walkthrough:

In the following example, I’ve right clicked on the selected programs icon (EaseUS Todo Backup)  on the Desktop, then clicked on “Uninstall”.

Previous users of this app will notice a huge improvement in the user interface, with access to substantial information not available in previously reviewed versions.

If you follow the same removal process, you will be asked for confirmation (a just in case moment).

 

Fast facts:

Full software & Registry information view.

Open Installation folder.

Browse to support /about/update page.

Export Software & Registry information to a text file.

Find any software installed on your computer in a sec, just start to write few first letters of the software name and you will see it.

Categorized views will help you to decide what programs to remove by dividing software into categories:

Large software size view

Last Install Date view

Software Updates view

Export software list into a csv file and open it in Microsoft Excel. This file can be used to calculate software size, manage history and create charts & graphs.

Save time by uninstalling a batch of programs. Just select the programs you want to remove and start uninstall. You will also see the software size you about to remove.

To prevent other users from uninstall your software by mistake (using Menu-uninstaller pro), there is a lock mechanism that ensures your safety.

System requirements: Windows XP, Vista, Win 7 (32/64 Bit).

Available languages: Deutsch, English, French, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Russian.

Download at: Developer’s site (LeizerSoft).

Menu Uninstaller Pro can be launched without access though the context menu.

Menu Uninstaller Pro – A quick video overview:

Unlocker Windows Explorer Extension – Take Control Of Locked Files In Windows

If you’ve ever attempted to delete a file that simply refused to be deleted, then you know how frustrating that can be. The following screen shot illustrates just one of the commonplace warning messages a Windows user can run into when attempting to delete a File, or Folder.

This type of message can pop up more often than you might expect, and can be caused by any number of issues including (let’s hope not), a malware infection.

Unlocker, (last updated April 13, 2011), is a free Windows Explorer extension that allows you – with a simple right-click of the mouse, to handle this particular error message – as well as the following:

• Cannot delete folder: It is being used by another person or program
• Cannot delete file: Access is denied
• There has been a sharing violation.
• The source or destination file may be in use.
• The file is in use by another program or user.
• Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.

After a simple straightforward installation, you will notice a new command , has been added to your Windows Explorer context menu –  as illustrated more clearly in the following Windows Explorer screen shot (Windows 8 version).

System Requirements: Windows XP, 2003, Vista, Win 7 (64 bit compatible).

Languages: Multiple languages

Download at: FileHippo

Note: Caution is the keyword here. Working with critical system files may cause system errors, or failure. If you are not familiar with these issues, seek help from an advanced user.

Note: During the Install you will have the option to install two Toolbars.

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Is IObit Uninstaller 2.0 A Revo Uninstaller Worthy Competitor?

Like most geeks, Revo Uninstaller is my main “go to” program for uninstalling applications – except anti-malware applications, which tend to be tricky to remove. Luckily, AppRemover, a powerful free anti-malware, antivirus application remover, supports the removal of virtually all of the most popular antivirus and antispyware applications.

IObit, the developers of the highly recommended Advanced SystemCare, has spread its wings in the last few years and released a raft of applications (both free and commercial), which cover a broad spectrum of computer consumers’ needs. One of these is IObit Uninstaller – now in its second version – which is designed to go toe-to-toe with the venerable Revo Uninstaller.

IObit Uninstaller 2.0, is a simple executable file which does not require installation – making it suitable for a USB toolbox. I emphasize this point, since I often get reader questions wondering why a particular application is not listed in “All Programs”, or elsewhere.

Since IObit Uninstaller is a simple executable, it’s blazingly fast out of the gate – as it should be – and launches into a simple, and instinctive, user interface.

For this review walkthrough, I have chosen to uninstall an application updater on my test system – Nvidia Update – which, as you can see – IObit Uninstaller has located and listed under “All Programs”.

Prior to completing the uninstall action, the application offers an opportunity to create a Restore Point.

In this case, the uninstall process took a matter of just a few seconds following which, a secondary scan (Powerful Scan), was offered. The Powerful Scan has been designed to clean out any leftover entries – including cleaning up the registry.

As the following screen capture indicates, using the Powerful Scan was a good choice since the initial scan had not deleted the program file directory.

As illustrated in the following screen shot, IObit Uninstaller offers the user a number of additional uninstall options – other than the straightforward “All Programs” option. You’ll also note, that the application is available in a number of selected languages.

Fast facts:

Batch Uninstall – Uninstall several applications so easily with just one click.

Standard and Advanced Uninstall – While Standard Uninstall works as the Windows built-in Add/Remove Programs function, Advanced Uninstall function helps you scan Windows registry and hard drive for any possible installation leftovers.

1-Click Toolbars Removal – Annoyed by so many toolbars in your system? Here’s the simplest and fastest solution.

Portable Application – Look for a pure uninstaller that does NOT need an installation and will not screw your system again? IObit Uninstaller is the answer.

Forced Uninstall – Even if a program is not listed in Windows built-in Add/Remove Programs, this feature still can help you automatically find the program’s leftovers and traces in your system and remove them completely.

Log Manager and Restoration – Easily view what has been changed by IObit Uninstaller. Every time an “Advanced Uninstall” is performed, a restore point image will be automatically set for possible future system restoration.

Free and Easy-to-use – No IT knowledge needed, just download it and simply run it to remove all junk programs.

System requirements: Windows 7 (32 bit), Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows Vista (32 bit), Windows Vista (64 bit), Windows XP.

Download at: Softpedia

Frankly, I don’t think either product has a marked competitive advantage – one over the other. Both applications perform essentially the same function – uninstall applications. Still, there are differences that should be noted.

IObit Uninstaller Pluses – The user interface sidebar lists a number of items   that may be important to an average user, including – installed toolbars, recently installed applications, large programs, rarely used applications,  and Windows Updates. Full 64-bit compatibility.

Revo Uninstaller Pluses – Revo Uninstaller (as illustrated in the following graphic), provides an opportunity to dig deep into an application prior to removal and, additional information on an entry can be generated by following the enclosed Google search link.

The following graphic illustrates additional functionality available in Revo  including – Autorun Manager, Tracks Cleaner and access to Windows System Tools. These additional features may have more value to an advanced user than to an average user.

In the final analysis – which one is better?

I don’t think it’s quite as simple as to which one is better. But, I do think IObit Uninstaller may be better suited to those users who are not as familiar with system maintenance as more educated users. It seems to me, that Revo Uninstaller has more broad appeal for those users who like to dig just a little deeper.

Additional free uninstaller software – 

MenuUninstaller is a free Context Menu alternative to the Windows Add or Remove Programs applet

SlimCleaner Final – Optimizer, Uninstaller, Shredder and Anti- Hijacker Built In

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Free SlimCleaner 1.8 – Now With IntelliCookie

SlimCleaner just keeps on getting better. The latest release of this free application which is designed to cleans out your PCs deep dirt, now includes IntelliCookie – in addition to a wide range of extra functionality.

IntelliCookie lets users delete tracking cookies from their PCs while preserving the time-saving cookies that contain login information for frequently visited Websites, such as email, bank or social media sites.

IntelliCookie isn’t the only innovative new feature in SlimCleaner 1.8. The free software’s latest version also includes a new section that lets consumers manage their browser settings and remove any “junkware” that can bloat and slow down a browser.

For a complete rundown on this trend setting application, take a look at Free SlimCleaner Final – Optimizer, Uninstaller, Shredder and Anti- Hijacker Built In, here on this site.

System requirements: Windows 7, Vista and XP (32 bit and 64 bit).

Download at: Developer’s site – Slimcleaner.com

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MenuUninstaller 1.2.1 – Uninstall Applications From The Context (Right Click) Menu

If you’re a power user, and a fan of the right click context menu, then you might consider adding MenuUninstaller to your setup. MenuUninstaller is a free Context Menu alternative to the Windows Add or Remove Programs applet, which will allow you to quickly uninstall an application without having to search out an application’s native uninstaller (assuming there is one).

A quick walkthrough:

In the following example, I’ve right clicked on the selected programs icon on the Desktop, then clicked on “Uninstall).

If you follow the same process, you will be asked for confirmation (a just in case moment).

Make sure the correct application is selected and then hit “Go”.

In the event that the application can’t remove the selected program (and I did find a few), it will offer to open the Windows Add/Remove applet.

System requirements: Windows XP, Vista, Win 7.

Download at: Developer’s site (LeizerSoft).

Overall, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the limited functionality of this application. My choice for this type of work has long been (and remains), Revo Uninstaller’s “Hunter mode.

Revo Uninstaller’s unique  Hunter mode, offers some simple, easy to use, but effective and powerful approaches to manage applications (uninstall, stop, delete, disable from auto starting), and to search out information on installed and/or running applications.

Selecting Revo Uninstaller’s “Hunter Mode”……..

will place a “Hunter” (target) icon on your screen.

Drag the target icon (say, on your Desktop), to an application’s icon and ….

you can then uninstall the application, or chose from a range of additional actions, as illustrated in the following screen shot.

System requirements: Windows XP, Vista, Win 7.

Download at: The Revo Group

Revo Uninstaller is one of the very few applications I have ever rated a 10/10.

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Delete Problem Applications With Free Revo Uninstaller

Recently, I’ve had more than a few reader questions on broken application installs, with the common thread being – a reinstall of the non-functioning application is a non-starter. The application still refuses to launch.

Here’s the problem – maybe. In some cases, uninstalling or manually deleting a misbehaving application, will not adequately remove various and sundry registry entries, coupled with hidden files, making it all but impossible to reinstall the application – due to conflicts with these same old registry entries and hidden files.

Luckily, there is a probably solution – Revo Uninstaller, which is a powerful alternative to the Windows Add or Remove Programs applet. This free application with its advanced and fast algorithm, scans before and after you uninstall an application.

After the program’s regular uninstaller runs, you have the option of removing additional unnecessary files, folders, and registry keys that are usually left over on the Hard Drive.

Even if you have a broken installation, Revo Uninstaller scans for the application’s data on your hard disk drives and in the Windows registry, and shows all found files, folders and registry items so that they can be deleted.

As well, Revo Uninstaller’s unique “Hunter mode”, offers you some simple, easy to use, but effective and powerful approaches to manage applications (uninstall, stop, delete, disable from auto starting), and to search out information about installed and/or running applications.

Icon View

In details view, additional application information is available. Opening the right click context menu (in any view), accesses control functions. In the following graphic, I’ve opened the Registry Editor for illustrative purposes.

Details view

Revo Uninstaller conveniently includes additional handy tools to help you clean your system, and keep it running at top speed – as shown in the following two screen shots.

Fast facts:

Uninstaller – free, simple, easy to use, and effective Uninstaller

Auto Start Manager – stop programs that start automatically when Windows starts.

Windows Tools Manager – handy and useful tools bundled with every version of Windows.

Junk Files Cleaner – find and remove unnecessary files from your computer.

Browsers History Cleaner – erase the web site history, visited pages history and temporary Internet files of Firefox, Internet Explorer, Netscape and Opera web browsers.

Office History Cleaner – remove the history of most recently used files in MS Office.

Windows history cleaner – remove the history of recently opened files, delete temporary files, remove usage tracks and other history items that are saved by Windows.

Unrecoverable Delete Tool – erase files and folders forever.

Evidence remover – make sure already deleted files, folders and other data are unrecoverable.

This is a great little tool which gets a real workout around here removing test applications. I’ve also 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.

Highly recommended -10/10

System requirements: Windows XP, Vista, Win 7.

Download at: The Revo Group

A portable version is also available: To install the portable version, simply download the application from the developer’s site, extract the ZIP file to a folder, and then copy that folder to your flash drive and voila, you’re good to go!

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Changing Security Apps? – Use Free AppRemover To Get Rid Of The Old

One of the most common complaints I hear from readers, concerns the mess they have to deal with after an attempt at removing an existing security application with a product more suited to their needs. You might be surprised how often I hear this (usually in a private email address to the Blog’s contact email address).

Users are often astonished to find, that removing a security application through the Windows Add/Remove applet can be a sheer waste of time. Worse, some security application’s native 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.

While it’s true that selective companies do offer a unique uninstaller to remove their applications, there has to be a better way; and there is.

AppRemover, last updated January 19, 2011, is  a powerful free anti-malware, antivirus application remover, which 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 screen captures illustrate.

In this screen capture, you’ll notice that WinPatrol jumped right in to alert me that AppRemover’s deletion process will affect my boot settings. This is legitimate, since AppRemover requires a re-boot to complete the removal process. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of this. This is just one illustration of why it’s important to install WinPatrol on your system.

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

AppRemover supports a thorough un-installation of hundreds of antivirus and antispyware applications. This constantly growing list is updated monthly.

Uninstalls the following application types:

Security Suites

Antiphishing

Antispyware

Antivirus

Hard Disk Encryption

Personal Firewalls

* AppRemover fully supports the thorough uninstallation of hundreds of antivirus and antispyware applications. To view the AppRemover supported applications list – go here.

This is a great little tool, which gets a real workout around here removing test security applications. I’ve also 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 2003, Windows Vista (32/64 bit), Windows Server 2008, Windows 2000, Windows XP Windows XP (32/64 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit)

Download at: AppRemover.com

Note: AppRemover is free for personal, non-commercial, use only.

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Free PC Decrapifier – Bloatware Begone!

You might think that a reader comment that goes something like this, is unusual – “I don’t know how this program ended up on my computer. One day, it just showed up.” Surprisingly, this is not an unusual comment.

In almost every case, the reader is referring to the trial ware (crapware, bloatware), commonly preinstalled on major manufacturers computers. This is the type of thing that drives users buggy, since trying to figure out how to get rid of trial ware is not as easy as it should be.

Luckily, there is a free application designed to specifically uninstall these annoyances – and that’s PC Decrapifier. It’s been a couple of years since I last posted on this terrific application, so today, I’ve taken another look.

The program does not need to be installed; simply run the executable. Or, if you prefer, you can run this application from a USB drive. You choose the items to be removed from a preconfigured list, and you can create a restore point (highly recommended), to undo any changes.

Note: Since PC Decrapifier is written in a scripting language, you may get an security application warning. This warning (if you receive it), can safely be ignored.

The application, while designed to uninstall crapware, has additional functionality – as the following screen capture suggests. More on this in a moment.

Anytime changes are being considered, creating a restore point is always good practice.

In the following screen shot, you’ll notice the application has detected an application it considers crapware on my machine.

The following screen shot illustrates a relatively unknown aspect of PC Decrapifier – its ability to act as a bulk uninstaller. The user simply checks off those applications which are no longer needed; clicks “Next”, and the application will launch the appropriate uninstallers. A slightly better solution than the Add/Remove Program applet when uninstalling more than one application, I think.

Working with PC Decrapifier requires no particular skill. The application is “follow the bouncing ball” straightforward.

The following is the current list of software and items that PC Decrapifier can detect and remove. The list is generated from the items the program detects on your computer, and you then choose the items to be removed by the program automatically. What could be simpler than that?

Targeted applications:

AOL Install

AOL UK AOL 9.0, UK Version

AOL US AOL 9.0, US Version

BigFix

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI

Corel Photo Album 6

Corel Snapfire Plus SE

Corel WordPerfect

Dell Search Assistant

Dell URL Assistant

Digital Content Portal

Earthlink Setup Files

Earthlink Setup Files

ESPN Motion

Get High Speed Internet!

Google Desktop

Google Desktop

Google Toolbar

Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer

HP Rhapsody

Internet Service Offers Launcher

Internet Service Offers Launcher

McAfee

Microsoft Office Activation Assistant 2007

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007

Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003

Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003

MS Plus Digital Media Installer

MS Plus Photo Story 2LE

MusicMatch Jukebox

MusicMatch Music Services

muvee autoProducer 5.0

My HP Games

MyWinLocker

Norton AntiSpam

Norton AntiSpam

Norton AntiSpam

Norton AntiVirus 2005

Norton Ghost 10.0

Norton Internet Security

Norton Internet Security

Norton Protection Center

Norton Security Center

Norton Symantec Live Update A common component of Norton Symantec products

Office 2003 Trial Assistant

Orange Internet

PC-cillin Internet Security 12 Trend Micro

QuickBooks Trial

Quicken 2006 Possible Trial Version

Remove Empty Program Folders Looks for and removes empty ‘Program Files’ folders

Reset IE Home and Search Pages

Roxio Express Labeler

Roxio MyDVD LE

Roxio RecordNow

Sonic DLA

Sonic RecordNow Audio

Sonic RecordNow Copy

Sonic Update Manager

Tiscali Internet

Travelocity Gadget

Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 14

Vongo

Vongo

Wanadoo Europe Installer

Wild Tangent Games

Yahoo! Music Jukebox

Yahoo! Toolbar for Internet Explorer

System requirements: Windows XP, Vista, and Win 7.

Download at: Download.com

Note: PC Decrapifier is free for personal use only. If the application is used in a commercial environment “you will require a commercial license. The cost is $20 per “technician” (not per PC)”.

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Free PC Decrapifier – Use It As A Bulk Uninstaller

You might think that a reader comment that goes something like this, is unusual – “I don’t know how this program ended up on my computer. One day, it just showed up.” Surprisingly, this is not an unusual comment.

In almost every case, the reader is referring to the trialware (crapware, bloatware), commonly preinstalled on major manufacturers computers. This is the type of thing that drives users buggy, since trying to figure out how to get rid of trialware is not as easy as it should be.

Luckily, there is a free application designed to specifically uninstall these annoyances – and that’s PC Decrapifier. It’s been a couple of years since I last posted on this terrific application, so today, I’ve taken another look.

The program does not need to be installed; simply run the executable. Or, if you prefer, you can run this application from a USB drive. You choose the items to be removed from a preconfigured list, and optionally, you can also create a restore point (highly recommended), to undo any changes.

Note: Since PC Decrapifier is written in a scripting language, you may get an security application warning. This warning (if you receive it), can safely be ignored.

The application, while designed to uninstall crapware, has additional functionality – as the following screen capture suggests. More on this in a moment.

Anytime changes are being considered, creating a restore point is always good practice.

In the following screen shot, you’ll notice the application has detected an application it considers crapware on my machine.

The following screen shot illustrates a relatively unknown aspect of PC Decrapifier – its ability to act as a bulk uninstaller. The user simply checks off those applications which are no longer needed; clicks “Next”, and the application will launch the appropriate uninstallers. A slightly better solution than the Add/Remove Program applet when uninstalling more than one application, I think.

Working with PC Decrapifier requires no particular skill. The application is “follow the bouncing ball” straightforward.

The following is the current list of software and items that PC Decrapifier can detect and remove. The list is generated from the items the program detects on your computer, and you then choose the items to be removed by the program automatically. What could be simpler than that?

Targeted applications:

AOL Install

AOL UK AOL 9.0, UK Version

AOL US AOL 9.0, US Version

BigFix

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI

Corel Photo Album 6

Corel Snapfire Plus SE

Corel WordPerfect

Dell Search Assistant

Dell URL Assistant

Digital Content Portal

Earthlink Setup Files

Earthlink Setup Files

ESPN Motion

Get High Speed Internet!

Google Desktop

Google Desktop

Google Toolbar

Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer

HP Rhapsody

Internet Service Offers Launcher

Internet Service Offers Launcher

McAfee

Microsoft Office Activation Assistant 2007

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007

Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003

Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003

MS Plus Digital Media Installer

MS Plus Photo Story 2LE

MusicMatch Jukebox

MusicMatch Music Services

muvee autoProducer 5.0

My HP Games

MyWinLocker

Norton AntiSpam

Norton AntiSpam

Norton AntiSpam

Norton AntiVirus 2005

Norton Ghost 10.0

Norton Internet Security

Norton Internet Security

Norton Protection Center

Norton Security Center

Norton Symantec Live Update A common component of Norton Symantec products

Office 2003 Trial Assistant

Orange Internet

PC-cillin Internet Security 12 Trend Micro

QuickBooks Trial

Quicken 2006 Possible Trial Version

Remove Empty Program Folders Looks for and removes empty ‘Program Files’ folders

Reset IE Home and Search Pages

Roxio Express Labeler

Roxio MyDVD LE

Roxio RecordNow

Sonic DLA

Sonic RecordNow Audio

Sonic RecordNow Copy

Sonic Update Manager

Tiscali Internet

Travelocity Gadget

Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 14

Vongo

Vongo

Wanadoo Europe Installer

Wild Tangent Games

Yahoo! Music Jukebox

Yahoo! Toolbar for Internet Explorer

System requirements: Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

Download at: Download.com

Note: PC Decrapifier is free for personal use only.

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Norton Security Scan – Easy to Install But Just Try To Get Rid Of It!

As well as writing a great Blog (What’s On My PC),  popular guest writer Rick Robinette, often jumps in to help his readers with techno issues.

Here’s how Rick diagnosed, and solved, one reader’s problem with Norton Security Scan removal.

Hey Rick, there’s this Norton Security Scan thing that’s dug in like a tick and I can’t get rid of it… My computer is running dog slow!

This was a recent subject in an email I received. Of course, my first thought and instinct as a techie, was malware…

The Good… I started researching Norton Security Scan and from what I found is that Norton Security Scan is a free legitimate app (by Symantec), that provides on-demand scanning and removal or repair of viruses, spyware and other malware. The virus definitions are updated when your computer is connected to the internet.  Ok, that did not sound too bad.

The bad… Further research indicates that Norton Security Scan has a tendency to piggyback onto your PC via other software installs (such as Adobe Shockwave Player).

From what I am reading you can opt out installing Norton Security Scan, via these other software installs, but through (in my opinion) trickery the check box to opt out is already checked. Most computer users will not know the difference; therefore, they continue the install of the app and Norton Security Scan comes along for the ride.  As a result, Norton Security Scan runs alongside your other installed security software and the end result is slow PC (and the potential for problems).

The bad… Once on your PC, this app really does dig in like a tick, is very difficult to remove through normal uninstall channels, will keep coming back; AND from what I am reading will use scare tactics to encourage you to buy other Symantec security products. Hmmmm… Sounds like the tactics used in a malware scareware attack…

A Possible Solution… Getting back to the problem at hand with removing Norton Security Scan… I emailed the person back and had them run the latest version of the Norton Removal Tool and the report I received back was that “I believe we got it…”.

This tool is engineered to remove various Norton products and hooks from your PC. During my research, I did find instances where registry edits and manual deletion of files/folders associated with Norton Security Scan may also be required.

Lessons Learned…

First Lesson: During any software install make sure you read everything closely during the installation steps to ensure you are installing only what you want to install. Being a seasoned software installer and tester, I have been finding more and more instances, during installation routines, where other second party apps are being installed and coming along for the ride. Sometimes the “opt out” for these apps are cleverly camouflaged.

Second Lesson: Any security apps that you have installed and you decide to uninstall them, make sure you visit the software products site to determine the removal process. Security apps, when installed (such as antivirus, antispyware, antimalware), are very complex and often require special tools to take them off of your PC. The normal uninstall process, built into Windows, typically will not do a thorough job.

This is a guest post by Rick Robinette, who brings a background as a security/police officer professional, and as an information technology specialist to the Blogging world.

Why not pay a visit to Rick’s site at What’s On My PC. Like me, you’re sure to become a frequent visitor.

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