Uninstallers - do you use them?

[maflynn]

So does anyone use an uninstaller or just rely on the built in uninstall process that windows provides?

I was perusing this article The best software uninstaller 2019 and I was thinking about this.

I think Dave2D recommended IObit Uninstaller in one video a while back. It seems many (not IObit Uninstaller) monitor the system, so when things change it documents for any possible removal. On paper that sounds appealing. In execution I wonder how much overhead that will be, i.e., slowing the system down.

Tbh, I never used uninstallers, but my recent foray into adding/removing a bunch of apps got me thinking.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

So does anyone use an uninstaller or just rely on the built in uninstall process that windows provides?

I was perusing this article The best software uninstaller 2019 and I was thinking about this.

I think Dave2D recommended IObit Uninstaller in one video a while back. It seems many (not IObit Uninstaller) monitor the system, so when things change it documents for any possible removal. On paper that sounds appealing. In execution I wonder how much overhead that will be, i.e., slowing the system down.

Tbh, I never used uninstallers, but my recent foray into adding/removing a bunch of apps got me thinking.

Funny that you mention it. I use IObit uninstaller as well and I just used it to uninstall Citrix workspace. I find it remarkable how often IObit uninstaller finds leftovers in the registry or in folders and can remove them (also in the case of Citrix workspace there where about 50 entries left in the registry).

I have never noticed a slowdown, but I never really measured it.
As far as I know there is a free version of the program, so no harm no foul

Edit:
Talking about games. I noticed that all games based on the Unity engine suddenly would not start anymore. I've had this before and this is due to Citrix workspace running in the background. After I uninstalled Citrix all these games run flawlessly all of a sudden.

 

[maflynn]

I have never noticed a slowdown, but I never really measured it.

Unlike the others, IObit doesn't monitor the system, so it may be the least impactful.

 

[0388631]

I like IOBit. I don't use third-party uninstallers much except for tricky issues like device drivers and some software that's packaged in a badly written installer. I generally like IOBit's software and recommend them alongside O&O's software, especially ShutUp10 which has both an easy and manual method of crippling Windows 10's analytics, shutting down Cortana at its root, and even suspended major updates and security updates, or one or the other.


To be frank with you, Maf, ever since I moved to SSD drives for boot and secondary install, I haven't bothered much with cleaning up since Windows 7 (and even 10) doesn't slowdown. More so if you use a PCIe NVME drive.

Don't forget to run disk cleanup once or twice a year to rid your computer of preinstall downloads for Windows Update.

 

[Queen6]

No just what comes with the application and a little manual digging. Mostly just leave W10 to take care of it's self by turning Storage Sense on and have it dump the temp files etc. on a monthly basis. Tend to think similar to Registry cleaners it's mostly snake oil

Q-6

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Unlike the others, IObit doesn't monitor the system, so it may be the least impactful.

Maybe it is less impactful, but it still seems quite effective. I don't have experiences with Ashampoo and EVO. Still I get the impression that IObit does some form of monitoring. Some time ago I uninstalled a program via the standard Windows uninstaller. After that IOBit popped up with a message (after the standard installer was done) stating there where still some things left and showing a dialog to remove those items.

 

[SDColorado]

Unlike the others, IObit doesn't monitor the system, so it may be the least impactful.

I use Ashampoo Uninstaller 8. While it does prompt you to turn on monitoring during install, the choice is yours whether to do it or not. Otherwise, you can manually drag and drop the setup file for applications that you wish to have it log. I don't know if it is the best or not, but it was on sale for $16 down from $39.99 and seems to do the job. For Mac I use AppZapper.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Unlike the others, IObit doesn't monitor the system, so it may be the least impactful.

Erhm, isn't IOBit malware? I've seen that company name pop up countless times when I ran MWB on infected machines.

They wrote these PUPs like "Advanced System Care" and crapware synonymous with that.

 

[trillionaire]

So does anyone use an uninstaller or just rely on the built in uninstall process that windows provides?

I was perusing this article The best software uninstaller 2019 and I was thinking about this.

I think Dave2D recommended IObit Uninstaller in one video a while back. It seems many (not IObit Uninstaller) monitor the system, so when things change it documents for any possible removal. On paper that sounds appealing. In execution I wonder how much overhead that will be, i.e., slowing the system down.

Tbh, I never used uninstallers, but my recent foray into adding/removing a bunch of apps got me thinking.

I just use the uninstall from windows. Then again, I'm quite lazy, so that may be a contributing factor.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Erhm, isn't IOBit malware? I've seen that company names popup loads of times when I ran MWB on infected machines. They wrote these PUPs like "Advanced System Care" or crapware synonymous with that.

No it isn't malware. They indeed also make a program called 'Advanced System Care' which, in my opinion, is useless (just like all other 'system cleaning' programs), but it certainly is not malware.

Malwarebytes does not flag IObit's apps as malware either.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Also in answer to your original question: Revo Uninstaller is the industry standard. Use that if you want to use a trusted 3rd party installer.
[doublepost=1550164625][/doublepost]

Malwarebytes does not flag IObits apps as malware either.

MWB detects IObit crapware as a PUP, which says more than enough. Plus it's certainly no coincidence that the name shows up all the time on machines which are crawling with malware.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Also in answer to your original question: Revo Uninstaller is the industry standard. Use that if you want to use a trusted 3rd party installer.
[doublepost=1550164625][/doublepost]

MWB detects IObit crapware as a PUP, which says more than enough. Plus it's certainly no coincidence that the name shows up all the time on machines which are crawling with malware.

Malwarebytes does not flag IObit uninstaller as a PUP either. I just tested it. Also what you consider 'crapware' does not have to be unwanted or malware. It simply means that you consider it as useless. There is no mention on the internet either (just Google) that IOBit programs are malware or PUPs. I suspect you are confusing them with another company.

 

[keysofanxiety]

It does not flag IObit uninstaller as a PUP either. I just tested it.

It definitely has in the past! Luckily it's been a few years since I left my last horrible job dealing with students' infected laptops, so that's reassuring news I'm behind the times.

Still, IObit always somehow found its way on infected computers, which says enough for me. Maybe they've since changed their practices or they were a false positive all along, but I'd still avoid it based on past experiences.

Regardless, Revo's the one every IT guy I know recommends.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

It definitely has in the past! Luckily it's been a few years since I left my last horrible job dealing with students' infected laptops, so that's reassuring news I'm behind the times.

Still, IObit always somehow found its way on infected computers, which says enough for me. Maybe they've since changed their practices or they were a false positive all along, but I'd still avoid it based on past experiences.

Regardless, Revo's the one every IT guy I know recommends.

Well you are entitled to your opinion. But that's what it is: an opinion and not an absolute:

https://blogs.systweak.com/2017/08/7-best-uninstaller-software-for-windows-in-2017/

 

[keysofanxiety]

here is no mention on the internet either (just Google) that IOBit programs are malware or PUPs. I suspect you are confusing them with another company.

I Googled IOBit and MWB. Good to know I wasn't misremembering things.

Anyhoo, it's not flagged now. But as I said, IOBit apps almost always found their way onto computers crawling with malware. That in itself is a red flag, even if the software's now marked as legit.

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/199116-malwarebytes-premium-blocking-all-iobit-software-why/

http://forums.iobit.com/forum/advan...alwarebytes-quarantines-advanced-systemcare10

http://forums.iobit.com/forum/advan...alwarebytes-quarantines-advanced-systemcare10

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

I Googled IOBit and MWB. Good to know I wasn't misremembering things.

Anyhoo, it's not flagged now. But as I said, IOBit apps almost always found their way onto computers crawling with malware. That in itself is a red flag, even if the software's now marked as legit.

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/199116-malwarebytes-premium-blocking-all-iobit-software-why/

http://forums.iobit.com/forum/advan...alwarebytes-quarantines-advanced-systemcare10

http://forums.iobit.com/forum/advan...alwarebytes-quarantines-advanced-systemcare10

You should Google a bit more. Then you will find that Malwarebytes and IObit had a fight. Malwarebytes claimed that IOBit infringed a copyright and IOBit claimed that Malwarebytes falsely identifies their programs as PUP after that accusation. Since they settled it, Malwarebytes does not flag IOBit as PUP anymore. BTW IOBit also makes an anti-malware program. Coincidence?
There is more to it than it seems....

But let's not go off topic to much.

The topic is: Uninstallers do you use them?
- I use IOBit
- You use (or recommend) EVO.

Let's leave it at that.

Edit:
For completeness a link to the fight between MWB en IOBit:
https://davescomputertips.com/malwarebytes-flags-advanced-systemcare-as-pup/


​

 

[Queen6]

You should Google a bit more. Then you will find that Malwarebytes and IObit had a fight. Malwarebytes claimed that IOBit infringed a copyright and IOBit claimed that Malwarebytes falsely identifies their programs as PUP after that accusation. Since they settled it, Malwarebytes does not flag IOBit as PUP anymore. BTW IOBit also makes an anti-malware program. Coincidence?
There is more to it than it seems....

But let's not go off topic to much.

The topic is: Uninstallers do you use them?
- I use IOBit
- You use (or recommend) EVO.

Let's leave it at that.

Edit:
For completeness a link to the fight between MWB en IOBit:
https://davescomputertips.com/malwarebytes-flags-advanced-systemcare-as-pup/


​

Wouldn't be the first time MWB has pulled that one, if competition or a disagreement MWB can put the companies apps on it's list. Cant remember but an application I used at one point had the same issue with MWB.

Q-6

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Wouldn't be the first time MWB has pulled that one, if competition or a disagreement MWB can put the companies apps on it's list. Cant remember but an application I used at one point had the same issue with MWB.

Q-6

Most people put their trust in MWB. It is a slippery slope if MWB abuses power to put the competition in a bad light, by flagging them as malware or PUP only for political reasons

 

[Queen6]

Most people put their trust in MWB. It is a slippery slope if MWB abuses power to put the competition in a bad light, by flagging them as malware or PUP only for political reasons

Once MWB became commercial it lost it's attraction for me. It remains useful on Mac's, I certainly wouldn't rely on it with Windows.

Q-6

 

[SDColorado]

I thought the biggest issue with IOBit is that it wants to install about every other program they make too?

 

[maflynn]

Just a heads up, I'm trying Ashampoo UnInstaller 8. I found using ioBit's uninstaller a bit tedious and naggy. Overall I like the interface and things seem more comprehensive. The monitoring portion of the tool doesn't seem to work as well I had hoped. many installers seem to hang near the end of the install - at least until I tell Ashampoo UnInstaller that the install is complete and finish logging. This happened for MS office and Create Suite

 

[derekamoss]

I know a lot of people hate it but ccleaner has a pretty good uninstaller as well. I don't use it anymore. I am full Windows Store only now that I can download Office through it. When I did I turned everything else off and just used the uninstaller. It's been a while since I have used it though. I know a lot of people say it will mess things up with the registry if you use it to clean it but for years I used it and never once had it cause a problem. I tend to not meddle to much with my installs though.

 

[Queen6]

Revisiting; recently pushed to W10 1903 as per my routine I backed up the system. As with all backup images you need to prove them or they are of absolutely no use when the need is real. I generally restore the backup and follow up with several DISM commands to ensure image integrity and reduce the size of the image store.

So why not have a go I DL'd most recommended uninstallers, result some did nothing more than W10 does, some wanted to remove registry entries A few were able to scavenge some leftover remnants, equally we are talking about kilobytes I think all in all if you uninstall via W10's Settings - Apps you have little to be concerned about and actually have less junk on your system.

Some of the 3rd party uninstallers were simply beyond annoying with constant nags to purchase a paid versions with little if any obvious benefit. Some need to run background services to track installs, again with questionable benefit.

Rather think that 3rd party uninstallers are now similar to Registry cleaners i.e. Snake Oil, however there are some specific use uninstallers that are of benefit such as AV where the vendor provides to fully remove without adversely effecting the system MacAfee for one with MCPR.

I was also trying to debug an old application that refuses to run on W10, so the backup image was well and truly proved 3-4 times over. Finally ran the backup again, ran DISM all's good system is solid, SSD is tortured

Q-6