Resolved Remove Pre-Installed Software

Running Win XP SP3 on an old Toshiba laptop. Through Add/Remove is it safe to get rid of AOL (America On Line) which came pre-installed? I never wanted it or used it. I don't use any dial-up connections as I've been using Cable Internet. I want to clear up as much disk space as possible.

 

I don't think there are any problems Deleting AOL. I don't use MSN, so I have deleted/stopped it through Add/Remove Programs Windows. Cheers Neil.

 

Add/Remove indicates AOL has been used RARELY. It also shows the size 59.76 MB. When I click Change/Remove it searches AOL on line for the version installed on my system. When the search is complete it returns the message "no installed version of AOL could be found on my computer" and leaves it listed in Add/Remove.

 

Correction...

This is a correction to the message returend after trying to uninstall AOL via Add/Remove: "no INSTALLED version of AOL could be found on my computer ".

 

Try PC Decrapifier.

Its always the first thing I run when I get a new computer with pre loaded "goodies" or when I need to remove a lot of junk.

 

Did you try the registry? H_KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall. In the right hand pane look for the program you want remove. You might have to search the numbers that are in between the braces. But back your registry.

 

Try Revo Uninstaller and see what it says. There is a FREE version which I have used and never had a problem with it.

http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html

 

Sometimes the program would get uninstalled but would not get removed from Control Panel. Othertimes, its uninstaller may be corrupt or missing.

Check in Program Files to locate any folder like AOL. You can delete the contents after verifying. This might not remove registry entries but would free up disk space.

 

Getting rid of AOL via Add/Remove

There is no harm in using Add/Remove feature of Windows to get rid of AOL. This is entirely an independent application and will not harm the normal working of computer. Space unnecessarily occupied by AOL will be released. Go ahead !

 

In my post #6 Should have read In the left hand pane look for the program you want to remove. My apologies.for that error.

 

I'll just leave it as is for now so I'll mark this thread resolved.

 

Mr. Bill,

I took your advice and downloaded Revo Uninstaller. There were some other programs associated with AOL such as AOL Coach Version, AOL Spyware, AOL Connectivity Software and AOL Screen saver all listed in the Add/Remove section. I used Revo Uninstaller to get ride of each of the programs first which succeeded. Again using Revo Uninstaller I deleted the Program Files for AOL Main Program. All enteries are now gone for the Add/Remove Section and under Program Files. So far so good. Thanks for steering me to Revo Uninstaller.

 

I have used it and let it do everything. I don't remember what the bottom thing is where there are 4 things showing the 3rd one is the one checked. The last one if I remember right, will get the registry entries also. Never had a problem with it.