Try using one of these methods to correctly delete programs when they aren't listed in the Add/Remove menu.

Q: After using the uninstall feature and going through the directories to get rid of the folders associated with a particular software, there are still programs listed in the add/remove program that the computer says it can't delete. How can you get rid of those "residue" files left after uninstalling software?

-- John from Ft. Knox, Kentucky

A: If you have a program that you no longer need or want on your hard drive, it's tempting to just throw it in the recycling bin and be done with it. But programs can be made up of a number of different files all over your hard drive. Just trashing the .exe file won't erase the whole program. In fact, it may lead to problems down the road.

How to uninstall programs

The proper way to rid your computer of all files related to a program is to use the Add/Remove Programs control panel.

Here's how to find it.
 
  1. From your Start menu, choose Settings, then Control Panel.
  2. Click on the Add/Remove Programs icon.
  3. Choose the Install/Uninstall tab.
  4. Now look for the program you want to dispose of, select it, and click the Add/Remove button.


Doing this should remove all the program's files and registry entries. There's one exception. Any data files you've created will still be around. You'll have to delete these by hand if you don't need them any more.

If you've gone to all this trouble and you still can't make that old program disappear, it's time to get a little help.

Utility programs

For a nominal price, you can get yourself a great helper to remove your computer's unwanted guests. You know the kind of guests who just won't leave when the party's over? That's right, the evil dregs.

For $29.95, you can have your very own housecleaner with Norton CleanSweep. Not only does it allow you to remove programs safely and completely, but it reclaims space as well.

It will also remove or store duplicate files and any other files you don't need. CleanSweep does all the work, allowing you to put your feet up while it vacuums your hard drive with its one-click cleanup solution. Try shopping at Amazon.com to purchase this product.

If you're still operating on Win95, you can download software from Microsoft called TweakUI. This program allows you to adjust Win95 hidden settings. With TweakUI, you'll be able to clean up your Add/Remove Programs menu or repair icons, system files, the Font folder, and RegEdit with ease. The best part about this program: It's free.

If you have Win98, read this article on how to install TweakUI from your system disk.

For a free solution, take a look at Chris Uninstall Manager. It adds more functionality to the standard Add/Remove Programs function in Windows.