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I've deleted some programs off my machine. Where in the Registry will I find them so I can delete? Help appreciated.
Thanks,
BuddyB

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Thong_Ispector

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For : if an installed program was removed but you still see traces, there are a few targeted places to check and safer options to use rather than sweeping deletes. and were right to flag risk—this note focuses on precise locations to inspect, how to save what you change, and safer cleanup tools.

Common registry locations that hold uninstall and association data (look only for keys that clearly match the program or its publisher):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
(on 64-bit Windows also check) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
File-type associations and COM registrations live under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and the corresponding HKCU\Software\Classes. Startup entries can be in HKLM\...\Run and HKCU\...\Run.

Practical, low-risk workflow: 1) Confirm the entry exactly matches the removed program (name, publisher, GUID). 2) In RegEdit select only that subkey and Export it to a .reg file (right-click > Export). 3) Delete the targeted subkey. If something breaks, re-import the saved .reg or use System Restore. Microsoft documents how to export and restore registry branches here: How to back up and restore the registry in Windows.

If unsure about manual edits, use a tool that scans for leftovers and creates its own restore points. Microsoft provides a troubleshooter for install/uninstall problems and third-party tools such as Revo Uninstaller can scan for orphaned keys and files; these are safer than blind deletes. When in doubt, remove only entries that match the product name or its installer GUID, keep an export for each change, and prefer automated cleanup tools over mass registry searching.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

Warning the registry is no place to play around if you don't know what you are doing ,

All you need to do is open regedit and use the search option in edit ,after you find the first reference to something you delete it then just hit F3/delete then F3 until it tells you it finished searching ,You need to do this process over for each different program !l

Member Avatar for Thong_Ispector

I gotta say this...

Make a backup copy of the system registry BEFORE you delete anything.

Even with a backup it is no place for a novice user.

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