Uninstalling

Use great care

from WinCustomize Forums

It's no secret: I've been having problems with Impulse lately. First, let me say thanks to all who tried to help because you all did what friends do.

The reason may be having used Revo uninstaller. What I'm saying reflects my experience, and I don't want to generalize it, only to spread what I've learned in order to help. Don't get me wrong, please. The Revo Uninstaller (like everything else) should be used with care!

Turns out that it doesn't play nicely with Impulse, especially if you're doing a thorough (Revo level 4) uninstall of an SD program.

That's not anyone's fault. Let me make that clear. This is just what I've found out. Take it for what it's worth. When I try to help folks in the future I'm going to recommend using only the SD ODNT zapper.

It turns out that unless you're planning to uninstall every SD app, it (Revo Uninstaller) shouldn't be used as it tends to track apps back into Impulse and uninstall parts of Impulse it shouldn't.

Probably the best utility to use is the Stardock "zapper", but I'm going to be asking SD support about CCleaner also. When I learn what SD Support recommends, I'll keep you posted.

Link to the ODNT Stardock 'zapper': http://sd.stardock.com/mike/apps/odnt_zapper.exe 

 

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Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Impulse doesnt appear to have an uninstall function, at least I couldnt find it, but if I ever had to uninstall Id probably use the Bill Gates method built-in to Vista. I've used it on other apps which didnt have their own uninstallers and its always worked for me. But to uninstall Impulse itself I guess you would have to remove everything you had installed via Impulse first. By the way what is the Stardock zapper Ive been hearing about?

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The Windows uninstaller frequently leaves registry stuff and folders around that the zapper doesn't, apparantly. These 'remnants' can interfere with subsequent installations.

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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I've used it on other apps which didnt have their own uninstallers and its always worked for me.
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That hasn't been my experience,there are some apps that will not uninstall cleanly or at all (can't access the install Log file). CFX for instance leaves so much behind it is nearly impossible to reinstall. Microsoft Office Home and Student Trial left well over a thousand registry entries and files behind. Add/Remove programs is not sufficient to clean up afterwards.

The zapper is dated and crashes while trying to uninstall some apps. I only use Revo on the "Moderate" level and you still have to exercise caution to only delete the items marked in bold. It is easy to delete something you want to keep if you aren't careful.Using any registry cleaner has it's risks. Use caution and common sense,and if you aren't sure what you are deleting don't do it. 

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Just found out Impulse has an uninstall feature for its programs - its under Manage Application. Couldnt see the wood for etc. I guess this doesnt do a total uninstall also. By the way thanks for the link to the Stardock zapper - one to keep in mind if needed.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I only use Revo on the "Moderate" level and you still have to exercise caution to only delete the items marked in bold. It is easy to delete something you want to keep if you aren't careful.Using any registry cleaner has it's risks. Use caution and common sense,and if you aren't sure what you are deleting don't do it.
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This is true...it's a really touchy thing. As I say, this is what I've learned from SD Support...and, again...in my experience, I'm not sure which level will yield the best results...it's a two edged sword.

You're welcome, Gammeldansk.