![]() |
MS-DEFCON 2:
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it.
|
-
Guide to Installing Third-Party Software
Home › Forums › AskWoody support › Questions: Browsers and desktop software › Guide to Installing Third-Party Software
Tagged: solvusoft
- This topic has 33 replies, 15 voices, and was last updated 6 months, 2 weeks ago.
Viewing 21 reply threads-
AuthorPosts
-
-
June 23, 2020 at 9:59 am #2274641
geekdom
AskWoody PlusGuide to Installing Third-Party Software
June 23, 2020
This general guide is designed as a cautionary approach to installing third-party software. Many entities offer software designed to fix everything. Wait. Hold. The software may not be all it’s designed to be even if it’s from a reliable source. Here are some guidelines to determine if software is right for you and will actually do the tasks it is intended to perform.
What is offered here are suggestions only and your mileage may vary.
This information has been broken up by tasks. Each post will include simple, useful suggestions. No special tools required, although heavy use of search is required for your particular brand of desired software. Personal research is required for you to obtain your necessary software.
1. Determine what software you need and tasks it will perform
2. Check software reviews
3. Software cost
4. Software license
5. Determine if software is bundled with other product
6. Will software install and uninstall nicely?
7. Obtain software from a reliable source
8. Software changes. Should you change the software you are using?If you think this topic worthwhile, I will pursue it with additional information for each point.
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr5 users thanked author for this post.
-
June 23, 2020 at 11:20 am #2274677
Elly
AskWoody MVPAt this point I’m content with the software that I use daily. But I was recently in a position of trying to problem solve internet problems… and suddenly it appeared I might need software to help me. I really could have used a guide about evaluating and choosing it… and checking it with antivirus, just in case? I’d really appreciate it if you filled this out more… I’m sure it will be useful in the future.
Non-techy Win 10 Pro and Linux Mint experimenter
-
June 23, 2020 at 11:31 am #2274690
Alex5723
AskWoody PlusOn Windows OS try to NOT install software. Go for Portable versions. If there are none search for Alternative Installing is the last resort if you can’t find Portable versions.
-
June 23, 2020 at 8:04 pm #2274857
anonymous
GuestI like the Portable utils but Bitdefender will really tear them up sometimes! Portable platform looked to be a very useful tool but BD scrambled my settings and some files in the downloads folder too. BD support played dumb. Been leery of Portables ever since. I really feel comfy with BD. Conundrum.
-
June 26, 2020 at 3:38 pm #2275551
wavy
AskWoody PlusI like the Portable utils but Bitdefender will really tear them up sometimes! Portable platform looked to be a very useful tool but BD scrambled my settings and some files in the downloads folder too. BD support played dumb. Been leery of Portables ever since. I really feel comfy with BD. Conundrum.
I would be VERY leary of Bitdefender, well actually if I was convinced of the truth of what you said I would run!!
🍻
Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.
-
-
-
June 23, 2020 at 11:35 am #2274688
anonymous
GuestPoint 6 is absolutely worthwhile to cover. I’ve had numerous nightmarish experiences trying to uninstall badly-made programs that leave countless little traces in a million places all over the computer that take forever to clean out. Even big, reputable companies like Adobe tend to have some of the worst uninstall experiences in the software world. The current trend is “easy to install, easy to uninstall,” but not all programs play by this rule.
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
June 23, 2020 at 9:59 pm #2274884
Ascaris
AskWoody_MVPThat’s one thing I was always careful of when I used Windows. Paranoid, maybe. Some software companies have uninstaller programs that will scan for any such leftover bits and remove them… Acronis is one of those, as True Image is notorious for leaving UpperFilter and LowerFilter bits of itself left behind after a removal. There are also manual uninstallation guides for some things that tell where the bits are that a given program orphans.
After trying out a bunch of programs and uninstalling most or all of them, I would often restore a backup rather than worry about the debris left behind (Jo: “We have debris!” Bill: “DEBRIS??!”). I was always looking at the hidden devices in the Device Manager and at the loaded drivers to see if there was anything in there that shouldn’t be.
I think the accumulation of such cruft is probably part of what makes Windows installations perform worse and worse over time for a lot of people. Malware, misconfigurations or errors stacking on top of misconfigurations, etc., certainly also play a role. By the time some of them got to me for repair, they were nearly unusable, but their owners just soldiered on, putting up with insanely long load times, messed up UI elements, instability, things not working… I can’t even imagine how they tolerated that.
Some people even now periodically reinstall Windows as a form of maintenance. The last time I did that was in the 1990s with Windows 9x… I used 95, 95 OSR 2, 98 SE, and ME (and I didn’t hate ME, go figure), so it could have been any of them. I certainly did it the most with the two 95 variants.
From XP on, it was one and done with a Windows installation. I would reinstall it if I had to, but just for maintenance, no. I had the same Windows XP installation on my Asus laptop (Core 2 duo) from when I bought it in 2008 until after XP finally went EOL and I moved to 7 on that PC. It was still responsive and stable after all that time.
Group "L" (KDE Neon Linux 5.20.4 User Edition)
-
-
June 23, 2020 at 12:26 pm #2274712
Sueska
AskWoody Plus@geekdom, all of the points mentioned have merit and I would look forward to reading both your posts and the comments to your posts. Recently started using portable software because of information found in an askwoody post. Point #6 could turn out to be 2 parts as it could encompass researching (searching), using custom installs to only install necessary components, and preventative measures like making a restore point or using a 3rd party software to monitor installs and help with uninstalls. With the current environment of people being home and needing to work from home, more and more people will be reliant on using their computers and that will likely include installing 3rd party software. Thanking you for your efforts in advance.
-
June 24, 2020 at 9:41 am #2274991
geekdom
AskWoody PlusTwo parts, it is, although I’ve always found installing easier than uninstalling.
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr
-
-
June 23, 2020 at 10:56 pm #2274890
Kathy Stevens
AskWoody LoungerBE WARNED!
I recently went onto the OlderGreeks’ website and downloaded, installed, and used Spydish, a third-party utility recommended by Deanna McElveen in a recent Ask Woody newsletter.
I tried the utility and learned that it goes beyond just changing Windows 10’s privacy settings. And, if used incorrectly it will permanently disable (remove) and make it impossible to recover applications like sticky notes and HP’s Windows Support Assistant. And who knows what else?
After spending hours trying to recover my Windows 10 Pro, Version 1903 system including using System Restore and trying to reinstall the lost items, I had to use Acronis to recover the last full backup of my system.
I spent hours trying to recover from the damage caused by the third-party utility Spydish. And I still have not been able to get Outlook to work the way it did before the Spydish attack.
In short, think twice before changing or adding to the software you are using. Ask your self do I want it and do I need it. If the answer to both questions is yes create a restore point and then proceed with the installation of third-party software with caution.
-
June 29, 2020 at 8:25 am #2276253
rc primak
AskWoody_MVPI stick with O&O ShutUp10 for the privacy setup for my Windows 10. It hasn’t caused this sort of issue.
It is necessary to test new software which makes system-level changes with a recent backup on hand. You never know how safe third-party software for changing Windows settings is, or isn’t. Even “cleaning” or “registry cleaning” can make undesirable changes which may need a recovery to a previous system state to repair.
If you haven’t used a piece of software and are in any way unsure about reviews of that software, make sure you will be able to restore any changes the software may make.
-- rc primak
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
June 29, 2020 at 8:43 am #2276257
rc primak
AskWoody_MVPRegarding the Outlook issues — Have you by any chance applied the June Microsoft Updates? There’s a known issue for some folks in those updates which causes issues when opening Outlook.
-- rc primak
-
-
June 23, 2020 at 11:40 pm #2274896
alphacharlie
AskWoody PlusI had the same Windows XP installation on my Asus laptop (Core 2 duo) from when I bought it in 2008 until after XP finally went EOL and I moved to 7 on that PC. It was still responsive and stable after all that time.
and that was exactly my experience with a 2008 Lenovo Thinkpad.
(By the way, that same laptop is running Win 10 1909 today.) -
June 24, 2020 at 9:14 am #2274980
geekdom
AskWoody PlusPart 1: Determine what software you need and tasks it will perform
• What generic type of software do you require? Put a name to it: PDF, office, file organization, photograph, mail client, anti-virus. You will need to be able to search on this general software type later.
• What are the specific tasks required of this software? The information will be included as part of your search.
• Will your data be in the cloud or on your computer?
• Will the software run disconnected from Internet or will it access Internet and web sites?
• What is your operating system?
• What is your memory and storage drive capacity?
• What are your peripherals?
• What is your price range?
• What is your tolerance for bloatware and advertisements?
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
2 users thanked author for this post.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
-
June 24, 2020 at 11:11 am #2275007
Kathy Stevens
AskWoody Lounger -
June 24, 2020 at 3:34 pm #2275065
Bluetrix
AskWoody MVP -
June 24, 2020 at 3:55 pm #2275070
Kathy Stevens
AskWoody Lounger -
June 25, 2020 at 8:20 am #2275192
geekdom
AskWoody PlusPart 2: Check Software Reviews
Formal Review
• Many Internet sources carry software reviews: web computer magazines, blogs, and technical web sites. These reviews usually come in list form with “best” and “date” in the title. What you want are recent reviews: software changes over time.
• To get these lists:
a. Open your browser.
b. In the search space, type in the generic term (and the specific term) for the software.
c. Select carefully from the list. Some sites can be dangerous; other sites can look like clones of the real thing.
d. I have included an example for your reading edification. Please note that I am not personally endorsing the search engine nor any site that shows in the list. This is for example purposes only.• In a software review you will usually see software name, the software link which links to the software publisher (hover over the link with your mouse to verify it), a two-paragraph evaluation with plus and minus points, and a price.
• What these reviews don’t carry are technical difficulties in installing, running, and uninstalling the software. For that information, you need a second type of review.
Informal Review
• Many help sites contain information for specific software technical difficulties. These tend to be forums where those who use the software ask questions and others answer the questions. Usually, a help forum addresses a specific problem such as installing or uninstalling software, software usage, software capabilities, or software bugs.
• Some help forums are run by the software authors or publishers. Other help sites are independent of author or publisher.
• To get support information:
a. Open your browser,
b. In the search space, type in software name and specific problem.
c. Select carefully from the list. Some sites can be dangerous; other sites can look like clones of the real thing.• As a final note, you usually land in a support forum after installing software. Experience is a hard teacher.
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
Attachments:
You must be logged in to access attached files.
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
-
June 26, 2020 at 9:23 am #2275427
geekdom
AskWoody PlusPart 3: Software cost
Software costs range from free to paid and much between free and paid. The publisher’s or author’s site will have information regarding charges and terms. Read it. There are many variations.
I’ve found nagware, reminders to upgrade or register, in both free and paid software. And while I’ve seen bundled, offers of third-party packages with option to opt out, in free software, I suspect it may occur in paid software as well.
Free Types
• No charge.
• No charge, if you are non-commercial. The noncommercial definition varies from site to site.
• No charge, if you use the software a limited number of times. The number of times the software can be used varies from site to site.
• No charge, if you get the limited featured package. Limitations vary from site to site. (Freemium)
• No charge, if you register within a time frame.
• No charge, if you opt for trial with option to buy. (Trial)
Wikipedia provides additional free types under the label shareware. Please remember the terminology keeps changing:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SharewarePaid Types
Payment provides a product key, software, maybe an installation disk, maybe an instruction booklet, maybe some support. While software sites would like you to register, it may not be mandatory.
• Annual or monthly fee.
• One time charge with limited or no patches.
• Lower charge if you purchase the upgrade.
Part 4: Software Licenses
The publisher’s or author’s site will generally have a license posted, along with pricing information. The license will also be available if you obtain the software. Read it. There are many variations. These licenses stipulate distribution, source content, author or publisher rights.
Even if you obtain the free version, the license is geared to the paid version. For the software free version, you will need to view the author’s or publisher’s site for free usage as it is generally is not stated in the license.
You may have the software free version, but the license will still hold.
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
-
June 26, 2020 at 3:34 pm #2275547
wavy
AskWoody PlusI would always use an uninstaller to install new software. I use Revo Uninstaler pro, there are free versions of this software, I like the portable version of soft ware to kep the clutter down.
🍻
Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.1 user thanked author for this post.
-
June 28, 2020 at 9:32 am #2276016
geekdom
AskWoody PlusPart 5: Bundling in Software Installation Packages
Software installation packages may include additional and likely unwanted software. The practice of including additional packages in the installation software is called bundling. Bundling allows optional software to be installed on your system.
Packages from freeware software sites, sites that have entire freeware catalogs, are likely to give you bundleware or advertising. A free software site might inform if the software package is bundled; it’s much more likely that you are on your own to determine any pitfalls. Lowell Heddings of How-to Geek provided an illuminating and very recent article here:
https://www.howtogeek.com/207692/yes-every-freeware-download-site-is-serving-crapware-heres-the-proof/It’s a better and safer practice to obtain software packages from author or publisher sites, but there’s no guarantee that you won’t get bundled. Read the fine print. The author or publisher site may tell you it bundles.
Be aware that any software package may contain bundleware.
Use caution when downloading any software package. If your anti-virus squawks when you download a package, stop downloading it. If your anti-virus squawks when after downloading the package and the package is scanned, delete the package.
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
June 28, 2020 at 4:43 pm #2276133
Elly
AskWoody MVP-
June 28, 2020 at 4:51 pm #2276136
Microfix
AskWoody MVPAgree 100% Elly, custom or advanced installs are my goto every time.
Small tickboxes, confusiing phrases and wording, opt ins/outs, agreements et al
Being astute and focused on ANY software installation prevents grief later.
Remember, there is no hurry, read supplied documentation (readme files) take your time.
No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created Pebcak
-
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
-
June 29, 2020 at 5:30 am #2276224
geekdom
AskWoody PlusThe sequence at the top of the page is:
6. Will software install and uninstall nicely?
7. Obtain software from a reliable source
8. Software changes. Should you change the software you are using?I’m rearranging the real estate slightly so that steps follow sequentially. Here is the new sequence for the remaining steps:
6. Find a reliable website: obtain, download, and verify software
7. Install software
8. Uninstall software
9. When software changes, should you change the software you are using?Are there any questions regarding the new sequence?
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
-
June 29, 2020 at 9:21 am #2276273
doriel
AskWoody LoungerI d like to war people about Solvusoft!
Their webpage adverties, that their repair tool can repair every issue you are serching for!
1. They snoop your google query (MS Office 2010 error 0x080040e3).
2. On their wesite, they create download link that states:
“Looking for repair “+your google query+”? Download our tool to fix this problem!”Their web is just full of generated clickbaites. This is so common these days, so dont believe 100% websites of such fraud informations. Also their programs keep returning after uninstallation!
So they break rule nr. 6 by Mr. @geekdomDell Latitude E6530, Intel Core i5 @ 2.6 GHz, 4GB RAM, W10 1809 Enterprise
HAL3000, AMD Athlon 200GE @ 3,4 GHz, 8GB RAM, Fedora 29
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
June 29, 2020 at 1:05 pm #2276310
geekdom
AskWoody PlusPart 6: Reliable site: obtain, download, verify software
It’s been discussed locating a reliable site. Recommended is the author or publisher site making sure you have the correct address and not a clone site. Approach with extreme caution freeware software sites as they may contain optional bundled software which if installed could prove problematic. As explanation, bundled software comes with the option to install checked. To prevent it from installing (during package installation), you must uncheck it.
✓ Bundle package checked (Install)
□ Bundle package unchecked (Don’t Install)• Obtain the software. If you are purchasing from the author or publisher, you must make payment and possibly register. You will receive a product key. If you are obtaining free software, find the download page.
• Download the package. If your anti-virus squawks when you download a package, stop downloading it.
• Verify the package.
a. If your anti-virus squawks when after downloading the package and the package is scanned, delete the package.b. Check the hash value of the downloaded software against the hash value, if there is one, of the author’s site. A comparison of the hash value will determine if the downloaded package is valid. The hash values should match. The site hash value takes precedence. If the values don’t match, delete the downloaded software, and download again.
This program – and there are many programs out there to calculate hash values – can be used to determine the hash value:
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/hash_my_files.htmlFor more information on hash value types, read here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Hash_AlgorithmsBetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
June 30, 2020 at 3:50 am #2276537
WSslubo
AskWoody Plus-
June 30, 2020 at 8:56 am #2276576
geekdom
AskWoody PlusIn an above statement I wrote: Select carefully from the list. Some sites can be dangerous; other sites can look like clones of the real thing.
What I refer to as clones are fake or scam sites designed to look like the real site. If you are scrolling down a list of sites, make sure to hover your mouse over the address. If the address shows unusual spelling deviations from the normally spelled site, don’t click on the link.
Here is further information on how to tell fake sites from real sites in people words, not techo-nerd, but ignore the advertisements. I have advertising suppressed in my browser. While I like this this article, I would avoid the recommendation “7. Use the website’s “Contact” page” as the article recommends possibly clicking on a site-in-question link and then contacting the site-in- question. No. Absolutely not.
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-if-a-Website-Is-LegitimateIf you find yourself inside a potential clone site, don’t click on anything and exit immediately. You may have to look or read long enough to determine it’s a clone site, but don’t click.
Usually, genuine reviews will carry the author or publisher site link. Hover over the link with your mouse to see the address. Hovering over any link with your mouse to check the address is always good practice. (Practice safer computing.)
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
-
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
-
June 30, 2020 at 3:20 pm #2276675
geekdom
AskWoody PlusPart 7: Installing Software
You have your installation software.
Perform These Tasks First
• Create a restore point.
• Consider a backup including full system image:
a. If you have a big hunka-hunka major install program with many working parts
b. If the new software makes major changes to file structures or file permissions.
c. Some software does not work and play well with other software. This fact is usually noted after installation.
d. Some software does not uninstall well. This fact is usually noted after installation.
e. Anything else you consider problematic.
f. Do it anyway.• Keep your anti-virus software active, but shut down other programs. If things go peculiar, you don’t want to guess which program caused what problem.
Start Installation
• Go slow and read everything.
• Do not let the installation software default to automatic installation. Make sure you view everything the package will install, where the software is installed, and where the software is run. Make sure you have selected “let me choose what to install” or “custom” installation.
• Installation packages contain optional bundled software which if installed could prove problematic. As explanation, bundled software comes with the option to install selected as shown with a check mark. To prevent bundleware from installing, you must uncheck it.
✓ Bundle package checked (Install)
□ Bundle package unchecked (Don’t Install)a. Several bundled software packages I’ve seen are browser packages, toolbars, and anti-virus packages.
b. Make sure you uncheck everything that you don’t want installed.
c. Bundled packages tend to show at the beginning of installation, but they can also show at the end of installation. Practice vigilance.
d. There may also be licenses associated with the bundled software. Read the license. If it’s bundleware, don’t agree to the license. (See Lowell Heddings of How-to Geek for some enlightening examples:
https://www.howtogeek.com/207692/yes-every-freeware-download-site-is-serving-crapware-heres-the-proof/)
e. There are multiple bundleware pitfalls.Software Installation
• If you have a product key, you will be prompted to enter the product key.
• You will be prompted to agree to the license. Make sure the license is for your software package and not bundled software.
• During installation, you may be asked what subpackages you wish to install and where you wish to store them, along with your data files. Go slow. Some subpackages you just don’t need as they may be bloatware or unnecessary for your purposes.
• The installation package will inform you when it is finished with options to go to the website, launch, order more software. Uncheck everything. Make sure any lurking bundleware is unchecked. Head for the exit.
Check the Program and Your Computer
• Reboot.
• See if the program launches.
• See if there is there any unwanted bundleware.
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
geekdom.
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by
-
June 30, 2020 at 6:14 pm #2276714
EmiLee
AskWoody Plus-
July 1, 2020 at 1:27 am #2276784
Paul T
AskWoody MVPThe only reason I see to use removal software is to clean up things that are deeply embedded in Windows, like AntiVirus (they have their own removers). Most software is just a bunch of files in the “Program Files” folder and a few registry entries so there is nothing much to clean up anyway.
cheers, Paul
-
July 1, 2020 at 12:59 pm #2276946
geekdom
AskWoody PlusIn a web search for uninstaller programs, I discovered there are many out there with different capabilities and features. In an earlier post, @wavy #2275547 mentioned using Revo Uninstaller Pro to monitor new software installation.
This article mentions a number of ways or products to uninstall software:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/6-easy-ways-to-uninstall-programs-in-windows-10
Please note that I am not endorsing any product or process in this article. As a matter of disclosure, I sometimes use free Revo Uninstaller.The article also mentions reasons why uninstaller programs are useful.
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr
-
-
July 2, 2020 at 2:40 pm #2277308
geekdom
AskWoody PlusPart 8: Uninstalling Software
Determine What Type of Software You Are Uninstalling
The type of software you are uninstalling may determine the uninstall tool. You may, of course use any approach to uninstalling the software, but these considerations may make uninstalling easier.
• Uninstalling small software packages
Small software packages are usually single-task programs.• Uninstalling large packages with many moving parts
Large packages usually have multiple files in multiple places on your system.• Uninstalling bloatware packages
If you installed a bloatware package, you probably have bloatware sprawl on your system.• Uninstalling anti-virus packages
Anti-virus packages are tightly integrated with your system. There are little stickie bits in every corner and crevice and embedded in the registry. A poor uninstall of an anti-virus package usually means that the subsequent anti-virus package may not install well and the subsequent anti-virus package will not run well. Make sure you have your new anti-virus package downloaded and available prior to uninstalling the old one.Determine What Kind of Uninstaller You Need
• Microsoft Baked-In Uninstaller
This installer appears under Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
Here is the Microsoft Uninstall view. Note that Repair is offered as an option. Repair is only available if the particular package repair was built-in as an option. (Right click a package to check for the repair option.) I tend to use this uninstaller for some Microsoft products and some third-party smaller packages.
• Third-Party Uninstaller
In Part 2: Check Software Reviews, #2275192, there were suggestions for locating software. There are many software uninstallers. Do a web search. I have included an example. Please note that I am not personally endorsing the search engine, nor any site that shows in the list, nor any uninstaller you may select. This is for example purposes only. Uninstallers come in flavors from free to cost and from simple to complicated. Some uninstallers will remove leftover files or registry entries after uninstalling the software. Use caution when selecting, downloading, and installing. I usually use a third-party uninstaller to uninstall medium to large programs.
• Anti-virus Uninstaller
These are usually located at the author or publisher website and geared to that specific anti-virus package. If it were my system, and I wished to uninstall an anti-virus-package, I would use the author or publisher anti-virus uninstaller.Perform These Tasks First
• Create a restore point.
• Make a backup including full system image:
• If you’re not uninstalling an anti-virus program, leave your anti-virus software active, but shut down other programs.
• If you are uninstalling anti-virus package, you will need to follow specific instructions for uninstalling it. Anti-virus software is heckies to uninstall.
Start Uninstalling
• Go slow and read everything.
• You may be prompted to retain your data, preferences, default files on your system. These can sometimes be transferred to new software. It’s your choice to keep or delete, but make sure you don’t need it before you delete. You can dig it out of the backup, but who wants that?
• There may be a questionnaire at close. Ignore it.
• If you are using third-party uninstaller, read carefully any additional instructions.
• When you are finished, close everything.
• Reboot.
• See if there are files left on your system that pertain to the uninstalled software. Or leave well enough alone.
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by
geekdom.
Attachments:
You must be logged in to access attached files.
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by
-
July 3, 2020 at 5:41 am #2277425
geekdom
AskWoody PlusPart 9: When software changes, should you change the software you are using?
Sometimes third-party software changes; these change require evaluation. Here are some example considerations and requirements. Your lists will differ.
Considerations
• Features you needed are no longer available.
• There are new and different features you don’t need.
• There’s new advertising or constant reminders to register.
• The terms of use changed.
• Payment terms changed.
• A new company owns the software and the new company philosophy is different.
• The software has bugs or crashes frequently; it is no longer reliable.
Additional Requirements
• You need features not offered in your current software.
• You require extended support.
• You require automatic updates.
New software requires a learning curve. Make your list; weigh choices for software; determine tasks for accommodating software; then explore and find software that meets your needs.
BetaTest {Got backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender TRV=1909 WuMgr
offline▸ Win10Pro 20H2.19042.685 x86 Atom N270 RAM2GB HDD WindowsDefender WuMgr GuineaPigVariant
online▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.746 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox85.0b9 WindowsDefender TRV=2004 WuMgr-
This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by
geekdom.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by
geekdom.
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by
-
-
AuthorPosts
Viewing 21 reply threads -
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.

Plus Membership
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments. Click here for details and to sign up.
Search The Lounge
Recent Replies
b on Zero day Windows 10 bug
21 minutes agoanonymous on Checking e-mail attachments with VirusTotal
47 minutes agomn-- on Checking e-mail attachments with VirusTotal
48 minutes agoPaul T on KB4598242 fails to install, in rollback loop 2021-01 cum upate
53 minutes agoPaul T on Copying Folder Names Into Excel
1 hour, 4 minutes agoSoulAsylum on Giving you the choice
1 hour, 5 minutes agoSusan Bradley on Giving you the choice
1 hour, 6 minutes agoCybertooth on Giving you the choice
1 hour, 14 minutes agoAlex5723 on Zero day Windows 10 bug
1 hour, 15 minutes agoAlex5723 on Zero day Windows 10 bug
1 hour, 18 minutes agoAlex5723 on Giving you the choice
1 hour, 28 minutes agoWCHS on Checking e-mail attachments with VirusTotal
1 hour, 28 minutes agoPaul on Copying Folder Names Into Excel
1 hour, 46 minutes agomn-- on Checking e-mail attachments with VirusTotal
1 hour, 46 minutes agob on Zero day Windows 10 bug
2 hours, 3 minutes agob on Checking e-mail attachments with VirusTotal
2 hours, 8 minutes agoKirsty on Giving you the choice
2 hours, 11 minutes agoMicrofix on Giving you the choice
2 hours, 15 minutes agowavy on Zero day Windows 10 bug
2 hours, 21 minutes agob on Mouse settings NOT preserved after reboot
2 hours, 22 minutes agowavy on Understanding Section 230
2 hours, 39 minutes agoMicrofix on Checking e-mail attachments with VirusTotal
2 hours, 41 minutes agob on Updates paused but not?
2 hours, 47 minutes agowavy on Giving you the choice
2 hours, 54 minutes agoWCHS on Zero day Windows 10 bug
2 hours, 56 minutes agoErik_S47 on Updates paused but not?
3 hours, 12 minutes agoanonymous on Mouse settings NOT preserved after reboot
3 hours, 44 minutes agoanonymous on Back to School App Spotlight: Nota Bene
3 hours, 46 minutes agob on Zero day Windows 10 bug
3 hours, 53 minutes agoBobT on Windows 7 ESU year two oddities
3 hours, 55 minutes ago
Recent Topics
-
Checking e-mail attachments with VirusTotal
48 minutes ago
-
Giving you the choice
1 hour, 5 minutes ago
-
outlook 365 emails not queueing
4 hours, 59 minutes ago
-
Need a Great Rules Add-in for Outlook 2019
7 hours, 16 minutes ago
-
Mouse settings NOT preserved after reboot
2 hours, 22 minutes ago
-
Apple News Wrap Up: January 17, 2021
4 hours, 40 minutes ago
-
Tasks for the weekend – January 16, 2021
10 hours, 58 minutes ago
-
Use Word to Create Awesome Signs
19 hours, 25 minutes ago
-
Zero day Windows 10 bug
21 minutes ago
-
KB4598242 fails to install, in rollback loop 2021-01 cum upate
53 minutes ago
-
Updates paused but not?
2 hours, 47 minutes ago
-
Security update for Secure Boot DBX can be skipped (KB4535680)
5 hours, 33 minutes ago
-
Copying Folder Names Into Excel
1 hour, 4 minutes ago
-
The iPhone Companion
1 day, 10 hours ago
-
Apple Tips : 9 tips to take control of your privacy on iPhone
1 day, 10 hours ago
-
Internet drops briefly
1 day, 10 hours ago
-
A Zero-day Windows 10 bug corrupts your hard drive on seeing this file’s icon
16 hours, 58 minutes ago
-
Windows 7 ESU year two oddities
3 hours, 55 minutes ago
-
Color Rendering in PowerPoint 2019 Export to Video Function
1 day, 23 hours ago
-
WiFi Security Alerts after moving from 1909 to 2004
1 day, 4 hours ago
-
The MacBook Pro pre-2016 is back
23 hours, 5 minutes ago
-
What Is the Latest Stable Version of Windows 10?
1 day, 3 hours ago
-
OOMA vs MagicJack
23 hours ago
-
Want 7GB of extra disk space?
2 days, 7 hours ago
-
Windows 10X and its purpose
2 days, 10 hours ago
-
Neither Exchange nor GMail will connect
2 days, 2 hours ago
-
Tweaking spreadsheet data
6 hours, 53 minutes ago
-
Windows 10 Latest Patch: KB 4598242
6 hours, 47 minutes ago
-
Firefox Browser Replacement – Opera
3 days, 2 hours ago
-
Windows 10 Insider Preview build 20292 released to DEV Channel
2 days, 3 hours ago
Search for Topics
Recent blog posts
- Giving you the choice
- Tasks for the weekend – January 16, 2021
- Zero day Windows 10 bug
- Security update for Secure Boot DBX can be skipped (KB4535680)
- Windows 7 ESU year two oddities
- Attention partners: Microsoft really is coming for your clients this time
- January 2021 updates are here
- MS-DEFCON 2 – Get ready for January updates
Key Links
Copyright © 2004 – 2021 AskWoody Tech LLC. All rights reserved.