how do I uninstall 3rd party software

You could try this free App: http://appcleaner.en.softonic.com/mac

AppCleaner/AppDelete/AppZapper, etc. I dont recommend.

Just look for the developers uninstaller..It's the best way.

Unfortunately, not all developers provide an uninstaller. If an uninstaller is available I'd agree, but using AppDelete is ideal when there isn't.

The reviews for AppCleaner are very good and I use it myself when necessary with no problems.

I concur with Hollister about not being able to recommend any of the app cleaner programs out there.

I tested as many of them as I was able to download and discovered that there are distinct weakness to all of them. None of them did everything they claimed that they would do.

Allan

Hi Allan,

If there is no uninstaller available what would you advise?

Paul

AppCleaner is one of the ones I tested more times because supposedly improved versions were released. It was one that I discovered the most problems with.

Personally I do one of two things. I either install the new program in my sandbox where I restore back to a fresh image after testing or if I do happen to install something on my system I remove it manually if it has no uninstaller.

Allan

Get EasyFind. (Spotlight/Finder won't work well for this.) Set it to scan all files, files and folders, case insensitive, invisible. Enter the name of the app, the developer or any other way it might be identified. Search using phrase, all words, and boolean.

You can use Destroy from the EasyFind Menu. But if it's a file that requires a password (you'll know it is if nothing happens when you "Destroy"), then select the file/folder use Reveal in Finder, select the file>move to trash>and enter your password at the prompt.

Be careful not to delete anything that is part of a Shared Lilbrary; i.e. used by some other applicaton.

For very complicated applications with files all over the system, best to rely on the provided uninstaller, if possible.

For very simple applications, just move the app to the Trash. Searching with EasyFind, you will probably find a few other, small items in your /User/Library. These can be deleted with no harmful consequences.

I think that is what I said.

I do use EasyFind as WZZZ recommends to check for bits and pieces.

Allan

I have never had any problems using AppCleaner for this purpose.

What software package is this?

Looks like there are plenty of alternatives for getting shot of no longer required apps.

Given I've never had a problem using either AppCleaner or TrashMe, I'm happy to carry on using them.

I guess it's each to their own.

@robertbelfast - I guess it's take your pick 😉.

Might work in many situations. But uninstall something with multiple files/folders everywhere using AppCleaner. Then search again using EasyFind and you may see how much it didn't touch.

Thanks WZZZ. I agree that is the most blatant failing of AppCleaner but about half of the other claim features failed to perform as advertised.

I say drag apps without installers to the Trash and ignore the bits and pieces or do it manually with EasyFinder or the like but don't use any of the cleaner apps becuase they are not enough better the dragging it to the Trash to bother installing them.

Allan