UNINSTALL or REMOVE PROGRAMS

Question

UNINSTALL or REMOVE PROGRAMS

I'd like to suggest that Apple consider creating an Application that allows one to Remove programs (Uninstall). Trying to "drag stuff to the trash" as Apple suggests doesn't really work when Applications always leave hidden files everywhere. If Apple always tries to compare themselves to how much better they are then PC (and in some ways, they really are) just allow a way for users (paying consumers) to remove programs effectively instead of searching for all the hidden files and dragging it to the trash.

Thank you.

Mark

Mac Book Pro 15", Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Dec 13, 2007 9:20 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 4, 2017 8:32 AM in response to macjack

I appreciate every one's response here, but you have to admit, wouldn't it be easier if Apple just designed an UNINSTALL application? I mean, dragging one item from the Applications folder to the trash is one thing, but then having to hunt for the rest via Spot light and then hunt for hidden files in your home/library/application support....well, a simple UNINSTALL application would be nice.

I will look at the Clean Sweep that was suggested here.

Thanks.

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Answer 2

Dec 14, 2007 12:13 AM in response to Community User

u can just use spotlight to find any files related to the application

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Answer 3

Dec 14, 2007 1:22 AM in response to Community User

I use a very handy application that does just that. It is called "CleanApp" and you can find it at http://synium.de/products/index.html.

To register the application costs a mere 10$

Claudio

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Answer 4

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Dec 14, 2007 2:20 AM in response to Community User

For the most part, just drag the application to the trash. Some applications come with uninstallers under "options" on the installer.

The reason for this is that in Mac OS X most associated files are kept in the application package itself. If you choose any app then "control-click" on it, you can choose "Show package contents" from the contextual menu and you will see all the associated items.

You can also do a Finder or Spotlight search for any other items but they will probably only be prefs which will do no harm and don't take up much room.

These are ususally just plist files in yourHome/Library/Preferences . Also some apps will install files in yourhome/Library/Application Support.

Note: Some apps may also put a file in /library/startup items or SystemPreferences >> Accounts >> Login items.
(So, it worth a look here too)

-mj
macjack@gmail.com

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Answer 5

Jerry E

Level 1

15 points

Dec 14, 2007 6:29 AM in response to Community User

I use "AppDelete". You can download it free here....
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/31123
It only uses 335K and it will scan and as well as trashing the unwanted application, it will find hidden peripheral files and trash them too.

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Answer 6

Dec 14, 2007 7:18 AM in response to Community User

Windows' Add/Remove programs leaves traces too. The nice thing about Mac OS's design is applications are folders, not files, and so you can uninstall by just dragging the application to the trash. Now it is true that not all applications are completely self-contained like this--some have extensions; some have preferences; etc.--but no one-size-fits-all uninstall application will be able to deal with this. For example, Windows' Add/Remove programs leaves all sorts of remnants, some in the cluttered and nonmodular registry, which can wreak all sorts of havoc. Mac OS is sufficiently well-designed that any traces of the app that are left will only take up disk space, and not much space at that. And, has been already pointed out, spotlight will help you find those traces.

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