Removing Items from Add/Remove Programs, But they still Show in the list! – Windows XP

Have you removed or uninstalled a program and still have it show up in Add/Remove Programs? Let’s get those out of there.

  • Click on Start, then click on Run and type regedit and hit enter. Other Windows version have a search box that you can type regedit into instead of having to click on Run.
  • Look for the Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall.
  • It is a good idea to export the registry key before we change it just in case something bad happens.  Remember this is like doing spinal surgery.  The registry is the backbone of Windows. Right click on the Uninstall and select the Export option. Choose where you want to save it and name it so you remember.  I recommend saving the file in a folder off C:\ or in the root of C: drive in case you have to restore this key and cannot get back into Windows.  It’s easier to find your file in or off the root of C:. Now you have a backup of your Uninstall registry key.
  • Look for the program you want to remove from Add/Remove Programs list. Right click on that program name choose Delete. Confirm your actions to go ahead.
  • That should do it.  If something looks wrong you can import the backup registry key you made. It’s like a Mulligan. Just choose to Merge the key when you import the backed up key.  You can try to remove them again or just go out for ice cream and finish the day feeling good.

Idea reference came from an article on Bleeping Computer.  This is an abbreviated interpretation, the fat removed for less indegestion!

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