Recipe 4.3. Removing Stubborn Uninstall Entries from Already Uninstalled Programs

Problem

You've uninstalled a program, but its entry still remains listed in the Add or Remove Programs dialog box. You want to remove the entry.

Solution

Using the Registry

Run the Registry Editor and open \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall. Look for the entry of the uninstalled program (it will be the program name) and delete it. In some instances, instead of the program name, you'll see an entry like this: {3075C5C3-0807-4924-AF8F-FF27052C12AE}. In that case, open the DisplayName subkey in that entry; it should have the name of the program: in this instance, Norton Antivirus 2002. When you find the proper entry, delete it.

Discussion

It's a good idea, before using the Registry Editor, to use the entry in the Add or Remove Programs dialog box as if the program were still installed on your PC. In some instances, pieces of the program were left behind, fooling Windows into thinking that the entire program is still there, and the Add or Remove Programs dialog box will uninstall those pieces. After it does that, the uninstall entry will be removed as well. However, this often doesn't work, and if it doesn't, you'll have to use the Registry to solve the problem.

See Also

Recipe 4.2 for information on how to remove applications that leave bits of themselves behind even after uninstallation