Revo Uninstaller: More Than A Program Uninstaller

Posted on 06. Aug, 2009 by Juscelino M. Acevedo in How To, Software, Windows

Uninstalling Programs

After opening Revo Uninstaller, simply select the application that you would like to remove and select the Uninstall button from the toolbar. Then, click Yes to verify that you are attempting to uninstall an application.

Uninstall Modes

Next, you will be given four uninstall modes, which translate to:

Built-in – This is like using Windows’ built-in Add/Remove Programs, which is pointless to use if you have installed this program.
Safe – Same as Built-in mode, however also performs a quick scan on the hard drive to ensure that all files related to the uninstalled application are removed.
Moderate – Same as Safe mode, however the hard drive scan is more thorough, in addition to a quick Registry scan that will remove leftover application settings. (Recommended)
Advanced – Same as Moderate mode, however the hard drive and Registry scans are more thorough in order to remove everything related to the application being removed.

Cleaning Up

Upon selecting your mode (I recommend staying with the default of Moderate) and clicking Next, the normal program uninstaller that you may already be familiar with will display on the screen. Follow the wizard until you are returned to the Performing the initial analysis and uninstall window.

This is when the magic begins. Continue the wizard by clicking Next and the program will scan your hard drive and Registry for leftover files and settings.

It is safe and highly recommended to Select All of the found items and Delete prior to clicking Next. Perform this action for both Registry items and files/folders found. Once you have deleted the leftover items, you are done!!!

You have just accomplished two goals: (1) uninstalled an unnecessary application, and (2) removed all of the extra clutter from the uninstalled application that is normally left on you system doing nothing but taking up space.

Extra Features

Not only does Revo Uninstaller perform thorough uninstalls, but it also has some great extra features:

Autorun Manager – This tool allows you to manage your startup items. Startup items are usually unnecessary programs that constantly run in the background, which can be launched manually when needed.
Windows Tools – This section includes common tools meant for advanced users that allow you to change certain Windows settings and include System Restore, Disk Defragmenter, and Add/Remove Windows Components.
Junk Files Cleaner – This tool searches your hard drive for files that are taking up space, such as temporary and system crash files.
Tracks Cleaners – This section includes Browsers Cleaner, Microsoft Office Cleaner, Windows Cleaner, Evidence Remover, and Unrecoverable Delete. These tools are here to remove all evidence of specific areas within Windows, such as your browsing history and recently viewed documents.

Conclusion

I personally use and highly recommend Revo Uninstaller, because it does a great job at what it was designed for. I also like the fact that they take it a step further and include the extras that I have mentioned above. Although in general, I see nothing wrong with the built-in Add/Remove Programs, but I have never liked the fact that so many files and settings are leftover when uninstalling an application. Especially when those remnants are causing major issues and interfering with my troubleshooting process in certain situations.

(By) Juscelino M. Acevedo is an Information Technology professional with a passion for writing. Aside from Lost In Technology, you can follow his work at his Technology Juice or catch up with him on Twitter.

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