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How to Remove Programs on Desktop

19 years ago

I have a lot of programs on my desktop that I didn't download. I'm not sure how they got there. Anyway, when I try to put them in the Recycle Bin, I get a message that I have to go to the "Add or Remove Programs" to remove them. However, they're NOT listed on there. How do I get rid of them?

Some of them are: Easy Internet Signup, AOL Latino 3 Meses, Inc, Quicken 2006 New User, V Home, and others.

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Comments (9)

zep516
19 years ago
blueheron,

Look in your programs list, Start>programs see if there listed there put your mouse over them you may see the un-install feature, those things on the desk top are short cuts to the program let us know if that works.
jean001
19 years ago
Icons on the desktop can represents shortcuts OR programs.

It sounds like the programs blueheron listed probably came with the computer as "freebies." They let you sign up for trial offers, and the like.

To uninstall such programs, go to Start, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs.

Scroll down the list for the program you want to delete, then Click on Uninstall and follow the directions.
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Cat_ky: I think my friend's computer is about 4 years old but he has never used the JASC program. I removed it (and probably other good but unused software) just to have less programs taking up scan time. I agree that boot time is still long. Many of the programs and tweaks recommended on this forum have been applied to improve performance and progress has been made. Maybe limited RAM is now the issue? My friend is pleased as punch with the improvement. And once the computer boots, he says it "flies". The only thing I've done with the "innards" is open the case and blow out the dust and that took some courage for this amateur. I've watched videos about how to install RAM and it looks relatively simple. MAYBE some day I'll get brave and try that. Meanwhile, I'll continue to read this forum and learn. Fruitjarfla: Thanks for the input. I've already used Black Viper - recommended on this forum - to adjust the programs at start-up. It will be interesting to go to one of the sites you list and actually learn their function - a good project for a rainy day! Again, many thanks to all - June
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bob414
19 years ago
If no luck so far you might want to try this: Download and install CCleaner. Click on the 'tools' button and see if they are on the list CCleaner can uninstall.
DA_Mccoy
19 years ago
I am going to go out on a limb here and predict you will have to manually delete them.

Write the applications down and do a Start>Search for each one. Any appearing entry which you are comfortable with as pertaining to the ones in question right click and select delete.

When you are done use CCleaner's Registry Tool to scan and fix any issues. (It creates a backup if you so desire.)

DA
blueheron
Original Author
18 years ago
jean, I did that, as I said in my post, and couldn't find some of them, like blockbuster video.

damcoy, when I tried to search for them, the computer couldn't find them either. The Search option didn't list desktop programs, so I wasn't sure where to look. It listed, "Pictures, music, or video", "Documents," "All files and folders," and "Computers or People." None seemed to be the one for desktop. I searched "Documents" and "Files and Folders" and came up empty.
DA_Mccoy
18 years ago
Look in all of C

Type in the search just as they appear on your Desktop,Easy Internet, AOL, Latino Quicken, V Home, and the others.

DA
mikie_gw
18 years ago
If shortcuts
you can right click it and choose Properties. It will show the path and you can even Find Target which will open the folder its in then poke its unwise or uninstall, if you're lucky.
blueheron
Original Author
18 years ago
Oh, thank you, Mikie! Your suggestion worked. Hooray, I am rid of those dumb programs! Kudos to you.
lexiiecottingham_hotmail_co_uk
15 years ago
i am stuck trying to remove avast free security from my laptop carn't find it in add/remove have tried to download removal tool but won't work as it says its protected have removed protection but still no joy i have also tried to open the file while in window safe mode but carn't get internet whilst in that mode i have also tried to remove it by using properties and target and have clicked on from all programmes but no uninstall available PLEASE CAN ANYONE HELP

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