Removing certain programs not found in Add/Remove programs

[strep3241]

I have some laptops that someone in the family wants me to clean all the crap off of them. They are HP Compaq's with Vista installed. I have been removing all the unwanted stuff on there but there are a few I can't figure out.

There are shortcuts called Easy Internet Services, Ebay, Try AOL Today, High Speed Services, and MSN. These are not located in the Add/Remove programs list and when I try to delete the shortcut for it, it tells me to go the Add/Remove programs.

I have opened the folder to where it is installed and I do not see an uninstall program. How do I get rid of these programs? He does not have a copy of Windows so I can't reinstall Windows.

 

[lxskllr]

I'd just delete the directories, and clean the references to them from the registry.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

The HP laptop updater is really annoying. Its not in Add/Remove programs, not a service running, etc. and no HP Uninstall.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Look in the registry for those names.

Also, the shortcuts will point you to the proper directory used for the programs.
Between removing that directory and using the name/location information you shold be able to clean the desktop and registry

 

[bhanson]

Possibly `msconfig` and uncheck all the extraneous stuff on startup?

 

[Scooby Doo]

Also don't forget the Local and Remote AppData folders too

 

[hennessy1]

You could try the windows cleanup utility. It's discontinued on microsofts website but you can download it from others.

 

[strep3241]

I was able to get rid of the programs by deleting the folder under program files.

Thanks for the help.

On a related topic, I don't understand this. While removing these and other programs, I was keeping an eye on how much space I would gain by removing all the unwanted crap. Sometimes the free space would go down. Why would I lose space when deleting stuff?

 

[lxskllr]

Shadow copies? Did you clear the recycle bin?

 

[AFurryReptile]

Try this.

You can use Hunter Mode to point to the main executable, and it'll clean up the rest.

 

[corkyg]

Echo the Reptile. Revo works!

 

[atreader]

There's pcdecrapifier program also, though I haven't used it in very long time so not sure if its still good and effective.