Properly uninstalling programs and apps?

just wondering if uninstalling programs and apps rquire further delving into subfolders and drives...?

MaggyPie wrote:
Most residual files will be in ~/Library/Application Support/
If by 'most' you don't include any Apple Apps (Final Cut, DVD SP, iWork, iPhoto, Garageband, Logic) or Adobe apps or Virtualbox or anything with an installer …
A lot of apps also save files to /Library/Application Support or worse subfolders of /Library. It's not really somewhere a novice should be looking for files to delete.
Arthur's probably right about AppZapper, so long as you don't use it as a tool to 'free up some space'.

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Uninstalling programs and related components

How do I uninstall programs and components from this machine. It was given to me with all the original owners stuff on it.

Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Applications may create preference files that are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can look for them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a startupitem or a Log In item. Startupitems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the "-" button to delete it from the list.
Some software use startup daemons or agents that are a new feature of the OS. Look for them in /Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/ or in /Home/Library/LaunchAgents/.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term. Unfortunately Spotlight will not look in certain folders by default. You can modify Spotlight's behavior or use a third-party search utility, Easy Find, instead. Download Easy Find at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
Some applications install a receipt in the /Library/Receipts/ folder. Usually with the same name as the program or the developer. The item generally has a ".pkg" extension. Be sure you also delete this item as some programs use it to determine if it's already installed.
There are many utilities that can uninstall applications. Here is a selection:
AppZapper
Automaton
Hazel
CleanApp
Yank
SuperPop
Uninstaller
Spring Cleaning
Look for them at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.

Preinstalled programs and apps

Hello
I own a Lenovo IdeaPad G780 laptop.
It has some preinstalled programs and apps when you reset the system to factory settings, but when I reset it to factory settings last time I need a program or app.
Do any of you remember the programs and apps whcih is preinstalled on Lenovo IdeaPad G780?
If you do will you write them down under commentary it would be great thanks
Lars

I am not sure which system is preinstalled on your G780.
If win8.0/8.1, you can use the recovery option in system settings.
If win7, please try to find a program named "Factory Recovery".

How do I uninstall programs and files, so that the old computer is returned to its original settings?

Hi, I'm giving my aunt my old computer, I have already backed everything up on my new one. What's the best way to remove/uninstall programs and files so that its returned to its orignial settings?

Prepare Your Mac for Sale
Boot from the OS X Installer Disc One that came with the computer. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select the startup volume from the left side list then click on the Erase tab. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) then click on the Options button. Select the one pass Zero Data option and click on the OK button. Then click on the Erase button.
Note: You can skip the Zero Data option if you are not concerned about removing sensitive personal data from the hard drive. If you choose to skip this part of the process then it is possible for others to recover data from the hard drive. The Zero Data procedure will prevent others from getting access to your personal information.
This process will take 30 minutes to several hours depending upon the size of the hard drive. After formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Now complete the OS X installation. At the completion of the installation do not restart the computer. Instead just shut it off. The next user will be presented with the Setup Assistant when they turn on the computer just as it would if new out of the box.

Properly removing programs and other files

I recently tried to install World of Warcraft on my macbook. After I realized that my computer was just a little too slow to run it properly I tried to erase it. Now my macbook is telling me that my hard drive is almost full and I'm convinced that I didn't remove World of Warcraft properly. How do I check if I removed it or not and if I didn't how do I properly remove it and other files for future reference?

Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Applications may create preference files that are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can look for them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a startupitem or a Log In item. Startupitems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the "-" button to delete it from the list.
Some software use startup daemons or agents that are a new feature of the OS. Look for them in /Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/ or in /Home/Library/LaunchAgents/.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term. Unfortunately Spotlight will not look in certain folders by default. You can modify Spotlight's behavior or use a third-party search utility, Easy Find, instead. Download Easy Find at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
Some applications install a receipt in the /Library/Receipts/ folder. Usually with the same name as the program or the developer. The item generally has a ".pkg" extension. Be sure you also delete this item as some programs use it to determine if it's already installed.
There are many utilities that can uninstall applications. Here is a selection:
AppZapper
Automaton
Hazel
CleanApp
Yank
SuperPop
Uninstaller
Spring Cleaning
Look for them at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.

I want to start objective-c programming and app development. Any pointers as to what affordable hardware and software is good enough for absolute beginners?

I'm interested in learning objective c programming and iOS software programming. I want to get an affordable macbook for that purpose. any advice on the hardware specs and software tools to get me started? I also like to do the general tasks on the device....

If you're new to iPhone development, then you should definitely read this first:
My First iPhone App, a Programming Tutorial.
In a nutshell if you want to develop for the iPhone:
You need a Mac Computer of some kind, Mac Mini, iMac, MacBook etc. You cannot develop for the App Store on a Windows or Linux PC.
Join the Free iPhone Developers Program. This gives access to the SDK and Xcode development system which you download and install. It includes an emulator so you can test most apps except those which need hardware such as the camera or GPS.
Pay $99 a year for access to the developer program. This lets you install apps on your own iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad. It also gives earlier access to betas and past versions of the SDK.
Development Process
So you've been developing away and have got a version that runs in the emulator. Next you've paid your $99 and been accepted in the developer's program. This means you can now try your app out on your iPhone. Here is an overview of how you do that. Apple's developer website provides a lot more detail.

How do I uninstall unwanted programs and Apps?

how do I uninstall unwanted programs/Apps on my MacPro?

Go to:
Finder > Applications
Drag the Application to the Trash.
Empty The Trash
Dragging the Application Icon from anywhere else will not work.
The Icons of Applications in the (Finder > Applications) are actually the Application files.
If you right click an Applation in (Finder > Applications) and click 'Show Package Contents', all the files associated with the Application should be stored there.
So dragging the Application Icon in (Finder > Applications) to the Trash will uninstall it.

PSE 6 program and apps won't open.

PSE 6 program won't open from the start menu or Windows Explorer and the editor and organizer apps won't open from Windows Explorer. All the files are listed in WE and not empty. This happened recently after I have used the program a few years. Do I need to reinstall the program? If so, will the catalog have to be recreated? There are more than 7000 photos in the catalog. I am using Windows 7 Home Premium.

Try opening Orgnaizer and Editor from there respective exe's and from welcome screen which are at-
Organizer: C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Elements 6 Organizer\PhotoshopElementsOrganizer.exe
Editor: C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 6\PhotoshopElementsEditor.exe
Welcome screen: C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 6\Adobe Photoshop Elements 6
PS: Both paths are for 64 bit OS. For 32 bit OS use: C:\Program Files
If that doesn't help, try uninstalling and reinstalling PSE again. Your catalog will not be affected by uninstall/re-intall process.
~Andromeda

Apps won't open :: Infinite loop btw CS6 programs and App. Mgr.

Tried to open the following CS6 apps on MacOS X 10.7.5:
Indesign - 8.0.2.413
Photoshop - 13.0.4
Illustrator - 15.1.0
And when I do an infinite loop occurs between the apps above TRYING to open, while the Application manager also tries to open (application icons bouncing up and down trying to activate).
None of them actually open (i.e. no dialog box) and the only way to stop it is to force quit my computer.
Had this for about 1 year and it just started happening. Please help!

Found a better description of the problem online:
"When trying to open an Adobe CS6 application, a crashing loop begins. The AAM opens and closes once per second in the Dock, along with the application I was attempting to open. Because of the constant open and closing of these apps, it's almost impossible to get the mouse or keyboard to focus for enough time to do a force quit on either application, and a hard reboot is usually required to break out of the cycle. I had the entire suite uninstalled and reinstalled, but several weeks later, the issue resurfaced."
I can't even uninstall the programs as the AAM will not even function!!!

Programs and Apps randomly minimizing--HELP

I keep trying to work on ebooks, windows, or even looking at my documents--and they are minimizing. It is getting really frustrating. Does anyone know why this is happening? I did a virus scan, looked to see what was running in the background, and uninstalled a program called RemoteMouse. And it is still doing it. I am very frustrated because I am going to be doing a presentation using my mac--and I would like it if my stuff doesn't minimize all the time. HELP

1) Log out under the Apple in the Menu bar. Log in holding down the Shift key. This will disable any login items. Test.
If the problem goes away then it's one of your login items. Go to System Preferences > Account & Users. Click on the Login tab to view your login items. It's possible the culprit will be obvious. If not remove all and add back one at a time to test.
2) If the problem still exists, create a new User and test.
Testing in a new User will quickly tell you if the problem is system wide or if it's your User's folder that contains the problem.
Put any data you want to test in the Shared folder. Data in the Shared folder can be accessed by another User. When you "Switch Users", you can access the files in the shared folder. After you log into the new test User, drag from Shared (it actually copies).
Your Hard Drive/Users/Shared
*Remember to drag files back from Shared when you log into your main User. I
CREATE A NEW USER
Go to System Preferences --> Create a New User in Accounts. Switch to the New User by logging out/in or use Fast User Switching.
Drag any data from Shared folder for testing to the new User.
Do you still see the issue?
If yes, then the problem is with your base files.
If no, then the problem is in your User's folder.

I am having consistant problems w/ my mb pro freezing for 20-60 seconds while working in different programs and apps. i've upgraded my RAM to 8gigs and deleted over 60 gig of pics and videos to try to help, but nothing seems to work.

I've now been having this problem for months. It just freezes up and either shows me the dumb color wheel or doesn't show me anything sometimes and i just cant do anything for about 20-60 seconds. i can't exposae or anything. Also while working on a power point presentation it froze 4 different times for good and i had to do a hard restart just to get it working again. i lost my work and had to keep starting over. it was so annoying. it seems most of the time it does it, it is while i'm in Excel, Outlook, or Powerpoint. so perhaps it has something to do with my microsoft office. but i have the newest version and all the updates and everything. and i believe its happened when doing other tasks too. So i just can't figure it out.
A few Mac friends suggested i free up some space on my hard drive and upgrade my RAM. So i did. i put all my videos and photos on an external harddrive and deleted them all on my computer. i also upgraded to 8 gigs of RAM.
And honestly i can't even tell a difference after doing both of these.
HELP! PLEASE HELP! I'M ABOUT TO GO CRAZY. And having all the non Mac believers telling me it cause i have a Mac even drives me more nuts..
Jason

Any of this help?
it froze a few times over the last hour and half while browsing the internet.
and also while working in excel it all of the sudden shut down excel and said. "Excel has encountered and problem and needs to shut down, you may lose the work you were on." or something like that. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME TOO. Excel, outlook and powerpoint frequently just shut down on me out of now where. I've bolded and underlined when this happened.
1/8/12 11:50:56 AM
Software Update[4573]
PackageKit: *** Missing bundle identifier: /Library/Receipts/PPD_Installer_RI3292E3L.pkg
1/8/12 11:51:22 AM
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.suhelperd[4575]) Exited with exit code: 2
1/8/12 12:13:51 PM
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.netauth.sysagent[4608]) Exited with exit code: 255
1/8/12 12:17:37 PM
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.netauth.sysagent[4616]) Exited with exit code: 255
1/8/12 12:20:47 PM
com.apple.backupd[4644]
QUICKCHECK ONLY; FILESYSTEM CLEAN
1/8/12 12:21:39 PM
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.netauth.sysagent[4645]) Exited with exit code: 255
1/8/12 12:26:25 PM
[0x0-0x26026].org.mozilla.firefox[263]
colorbits: 24 alpha: 8 depth: 24 stencil: 0
1/8/12 12:26:25 PM
[0x0-0x26026].org.mozilla.firefox[263]
*** depth: 24 (req: 24)
1/8/12 12:27:54 PM
[0x0-0x26026].org.mozilla.firefox[263]
colorbits: 24 alpha: 8 depth: 24 stencil: 0
1/8/12 12:27:54 PM
[0x0-0x26026].org.mozilla.firefox[263]
*** depth: 24 (req: 24)
1/8/12 1:00:43 PM
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[112]
([0x0-0x1b01b].com.microsoft.Excel[210]) Exited: Killed
1/8/12 1:03:51 PM
[0x0-0x199199].com.microsoft.Excel[4763]
Sun Jan 8 13:03:51 Jason-Streiffs-MacBook-Pro.local Microsoft Excel[4763] <Error>: CGBitmapContextCreate: invalid data bytes/row: should be at least 5760 for 8 integer bits/component, 3 components, kCGImageAlphaNoneSkipFirst.
1/8/12 1:03:52 PM
[0x0-0x199199].com.microsoft.Excel[4763]
Sun Jan 8 13:03:52 Jason-Streiffs-MacBook-Pro.local Microsoft Excel[4763] <Error>: CGBitmapContextCreate: invalid data bytes/row: should be at least 5760 for 8 integer bits/component, 3 components, kCGImageAlphaNoneSkipFirst.

I downloaded CCcleaner, and after a ran it, firefox just seemed different. Can't google search anymore through the adress bar, and youtube is not loading properly, uninstalled flash and installed again, didnt work. System recovery didnt work. Plz help

It's probably the flash plug-in, but dont know how to fix it, other sites like IGN.com react the same way

A few helpful hints:
1) Don't bump your post. Everyone here is a volunteer and if your answer is slow in coming it might mean the right person hasn't yet read the post, no one can figure it out, or the question is so vaguely stated no one knows what the problem is. I suspect the last possibility is the case here, which leads to
2) State your problem first, not what you did. When we know what the problem is then we can take in all the details. Speaking of details, if you don't know which details are important and which aren't, leave them out. We'll ask for the details we need.
If Snow Leopard can be installed on your computer you must have an Intel based Mac and having an Intel Mac means USB will boot your computer.
I suspect that your problem is software too but we won't know without a fresh install and I recommend that your erase the drive and start fresh. Install Snow Leopard, install your applications, then transfer your data. Since your problem, or at least part of it, appears to involve your personal account I'd recommend that you not transfer it via Migration Assistant. Kappy has written an excellent guide about how to manually transfer data. It was specifically written for migrating from a PPC to an Intel computer but the same idea applies here so the instructions are 100% valid. You'll find it here.

I can't uninstall firefox. I tried unsuccessfully start button and uninstall program way and then helper.exe, it doesn't do anything. How can I uninstall it?

I have read articles about uninstall process here. And I tried several times (I lost 2 hours trying to uninstall firefox) both ways (start button-control panel-uninstall program and c-program files-mozilla firefox-uninstall-helper.exe) but it doesn't work. I want to uninstall firefox because of "can't load xpcom.dll". Help me please.

'''[https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/uninstall-firefox-from-your-computer Uninstall Firefox from your computer]''' {web link}
Are you unhappy with Firefox, or installing a different version?

When upgrading to OSX Yosemite do all my programs and files transfer over such as Office for mac, saved documents from word,excel,pics,pdf files,etc.etc...

Will all my files transfer over (or stay) automatically right after upgrading to Yosemite or do I have to backup every single desired program or document? Question is do I HAVE to please if you can answer if its mandatory or not. Not looking for recommendations that I SHOULD back up or anything like that just want to know if it is mandatory to perform a backup to be able to keep or transfer all my current programs and apps and documents currently on my MB Pro Retina.

Yes, upgrading to Yosemite will not touch your 3rd party apps or files in the Home folder.
Although not mandatory you should have a a backup of your hard drive regardless if you upgrade to Yosemite or not. To not have a backup is just playing Russian roulette as there are only two types of hard drives; those that have failed and those that will.

Elements 13 continually get message"Elements 13 organizer has stoppped working" then program shuts down. Have re-booted computer ....Uninsatalled program and reinstalled from disc ..nothing works

just purchased elements 13 ..... Get message "elements 13 organizer has stopped working ..... Program then shuts down Re booted computer .... Uninstalled program and reinstalled from disc ... nothing works

Please try out the instructions mentioned in RESET PREFERENCES and RESET SAVED PREFERENCES sections of article:
https://helpx.adobe.com/elements-organizer/kb/organizer-crashes-launch-does-not-start.html
Thanks,
Anwesha

Properly uninstalling programs and apps?

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