During the use of a computer, many programs accumulate on it, which over time cease to be necessary for the user. However, they take up space and consume computer resources, and some of them may not be able to be removed using standard Windows tools.
The programs discussed in this article not only remove files of unnecessary programs, but also help get rid of their traces by clearing all references in the registry and on hard drives. Additionally, they help to launch the forced removal procedure, that is, remove those programs that cannot be completely and correctly removed using Windows tools.
Revo Uninstaller
A functional program that is suitable not only for removing other programs on the computer, but for optimizing it. For example, using Revo Uninstaller you can clear the cache of browsers and other applications on your computer, plus remove temporary system files, which will have a positive effect on increasing computer performance.
Regarding the removal of other programs, Revo Uninstaller has several removal modes. You can do a quick uninstall, which is relevant for those programs that can be uninstalled without problems using the usual Windows functionality. However, if a particular program cannot be removed using OS tools, then it is recommended to resort to the advanced removal mode.
Also implemented special mode“Hunter”, which allows you to detect programs that are hidden in regular system utility to remove programs.
Revo Uninstaller has two versions - regular and PRO. In the first case, distribution is completely free, and in the second, you can use the program for free only for the first 30 calendar days. The PRO version provides some additional features and has a slightly modified interface.
Uninstall Tool
This popular program, intended only for uninstalling other applications. Thanks to unique operating algorithms, it also allows you to get rid of programs that cannot be removed in the usual ways. Also, thanks to its features, the program performs the uninstallation procedure several times faster standard utility Windows.
Unlike the Revo Uninstaller discussed above, the Uninstall Tool does not have much additional features. Among them, it is worth highlighting only the function of batch removal of programs, which allows you to remove several programs at once, rather than one at a time. You can also see here detailed information about the product being removed, that is, when it was Last update, change.
The Uninstall Tool is distributed completely free of charge.
IObit Uninstaller
This program is also distributed mainly free of charge, but it also has a PRO version with additional functionality, which you will have to purchase. The regular version effectively copes with its main task, that is, removing programs.
Among the useful additional functions It’s worth highlighting the option to delete Windows updates, disable processes and programs at startup, batch clean programs and permanently delete some files.
Total Uninstall
This is no longer free program, however, with its help you can effectively remove any programs. It is possible to remove programs either individually or in entire packages; you just need to select the option that is acceptable to you in the settings.
Additionally, using this program you can view all the changes made by a particular program on your computer. Some of these changes can be "rolled back" using the Total Uninstall toolkit. The program also allows you to edit lists of active processes and startup on your computer, scan and clean the system of various software debris.
Advanced Uninstaller PRO
It is distributed free of charge, but is more program to optimize system operation than for uninstallation for other programs, although this function is built into it.
Among the program's functionality, in addition to the ability to remove other programs, it is worth noting cleaning tools system garbage, finding and correcting errors in the registry, monitoring the installation procedure of other programs, as well as changes in the system.
Soft Organizer
This is a popular program for removing other programs, allowing you to completely clear their traces on your computer. Additionally, it is possible to “reinstall” those programs that were previously removed incorrectly. Additionally, you can view updates for certain programs, uninstall them, plus keep statistics on deleted and installed components.
CCleaner
Designed primarily to improve operating system performance by removing registry errors and junk/duplicate files. Additionally, there is a built-in tool for uninstalling other programs. Together with the main functionality of CCleaner, you can completely uninstall this or that software from your computer.
Within the framework of this article, the main software solutions, allowing you to do complete removal programs from the computer, including erasing all entries in the registry and temporary files on the system disk.
PrivaZer is a free, highly specialized program designed to clean Windows. The program does not have additional functions such as an uninstaller, analyzer disk space, an impressive list of tweaks, etc., but offers extensive capabilities specifically for cleaning Windows-based computers.
We will talk about it and the methods of its work in detail below.
1. About the PrivaZer program
In addition to standard list cleaner functions - removing temporary and unused files, cleaning system registry, destroying traces of work in the operating system environment and on the Internet - PrivaZer also helps to get rid of files from previous Windows installations and system update installers. The program doesn't just clean your computer to improve its performance, it is a professional tool for covering up traces of activity on your computer and ensuring user privacy. During the cleaning process, multiple passes (including 35 passes using the Gutmann method) can be assigned to remove data from disks to completely erase the information and make it impossible to recover in the future. Among the optimizing functions of the program are disabling sleep mode, stopping the local indexing service Windows data Search and delete the swap file “pagefile.sys”.
PrivaZer has a friendly Russified interface and is equipped with a step-by-step task wizard primary settings with an explanation of their essence. PrivaZer is designed for both experienced users and beginners. For regular and advanced users, the program provides separate environments with settings appropriate to their level of experience. The program's operation is flexibly customizable: for scanning and, accordingly, cleaning, you can select individual types of data to be deleted, individual disk partitions, and individual removable devices. PrivaZer works not only with computer hard drives, but also with a number of connected external media(flash drives, USB-HDD, memory cards, etc.) and network storage.
2. Installation
We will encounter the flexibility of PrivaZer already at the stage of its installation. The distribution kit downloaded from the official website not only installs PrivaZer on Windows, but also allows you to run the program without installing it on the system to perform a one-time cleaning and provides for the creation of a portable, portable version.
3. Optimizing program settings at first launch
At the first launch, you will be asked to optimize PrivaZer to suit the user's needs. This is the one mentioned above step by step wizard specifying initial settings. With its help, the user sets the cleaning parameters step by step, including or excluding from this process certain types data.
The first thing you need to do is choose your level of computer proficiency—simple or advanced user. At first, naturally, it is better to choose a level simple user.
- data of the programs used;
- document histories of office applications and graphics programs;
- history of Windows card games;
- thumbnail cache;
- authorization forms in browsers;
- Internet cache;
- files from a previous Windows installation;
- Windows update installation files;
- other types of data.
The last setting you can configure is to disable the computer's sleep mode. You should not use this PrivaZer feature unless absolutely necessary. At the final stage, save the parameters.
Optimizing PrivaZer for the user's needs is a permanent setting applied for each case of cleaning the computer. You can change them in the future by selecting the “Options” menu in the main program window and going through the wizard steps again. And directly in the PrivaZer working window we can select settings for each individual cleaning case.
4. Scan
After setting up the cleaning parameters, we can immediately start the scan by selecting the first option in the next window that says “Ready to run my first analysis.” In this case, a scan of all provided types of data on drive C will start. To access custom computer cleaning, you must go to the PrivaZer main menu.
Since PrivaZer also works with connected storage media, the first thing you need to do in the main menu is select the device to be operated on. Click “Computer”.
Next, from the drop-down list, you can select ready-made scanning templates to search for specific types of data. The “In-Depth Scan” option allows you to select all possible types of data to scan; this is a template for comprehensive computer cleaning.
Whatever template is selected, in any case, directly in the working window of the operation, data types are re-selected by unchecking or checking the necessary checkboxes. The scanning areas are indicated in the upper left corner of the window. To preset system partition You can add non-system partitions so that the search for data to be cleaned can also be carried out on them. To start scanning, click the “Scan” button.
Based on the scan results, PrivaZer will present results with the number of objects found for each data type. A specific list of objects can be found in a separate window by clicking on the link for the data type of interest.
Users who are keeping track of their activity on their computer and are concerned about their privacy can do one more thing before the cleaning step: by clicking the “See cleaning options” link, you will be able to select the number of passes for storage media and random access memory.
Before starting the cleaning process, it is advisable to take advantage of PrivaZer’s ability to create points Windows recovery And backups registry After this, you can start the cleaning process.
5. Cleaning
The PrivaZer program is so flexible that even the cleaning process itself is offered in three options. Two of them – “Quick Cleaning” and “Turbo Cleaning” – can be used in the future when regularly getting rid of system debris. For initial comprehensive cleaning of your computer and ensuring confidentiality, it is better to select the first option – “Normal cleaning”.
Deleting website browsing history.
The article provides step-by-step instructions for removing user traces on Google, Firefox, Dropbox, Facebook, Internet Explorer.
The Internet makes it possible to maintain anonymity. However, for this you must follow certain rules. Otherwise, it’s easy to “follow” what sites you visited. If we view pages in a browser window, then we are engaged in a kind of “surfing”. Because this is what is called “surfing the waves” of the Internet. Over time, the browser and services accumulate our “personal” data. Some of them may compromise us. Therefore, there is a completely natural desire to clean them quickly.
How can we do this better?
Below are the most relevant tips.
1. Clean Internet Explorer. Experts do not recommend resorting to external utilities, but using your own tools. In order for Internet Explorer 10 to delete temporary files (passwords, history, information from forms) when you shut down, you must check the box next to “Delete browser history when exiting.” This inscription is located on the “General” tab (in the “Browser History” section).
2. We put everything “on the shelves” in Firefox. Currently, Mazilla Firefox offers users to try out new additions. If you want to use them, then the address “abot: addons” will point you to a page where you can easily remove unused add-ons in the extensions section and thus get rid of unnecessary addons.
3. Clean up Dropbox. Famous for its excellent online storage. However, to prevent it from turning into a landfill, it is absolutely necessary to periodically restore order here too. Moreover, it is advisable to do this procedure very energetically. WinDirStat great utility, which will help you quickly organize your data. There is no need to even log into the site. Windows Explorer has an integrated Dropbox folder. WinDirSrat will prompt you with information about the location of individual folders. It will also clearly display their “workload”. With the help of multi-colored prompts of the smart program, “memory eaters” will be detected, and you will be able to part with them without regret.
4. Organize Facebook. A huge number of applications accumulate here throughout the year. Although you may have used each of them only once. The best option– view and delete unnecessary items. In such a case, it is best to do this using the program facebook.com/appcenter/my (see the “Lately Used” section). In addition, Facebook carefully stores literally every request. The Activity Log will help you remove them from your profile. You just need to type “Search” again in the menu (on the left), and then click the “Clear search history” button (it’s located at the top).
5. “At the end of the day” we clean up Google. Any Google service (at your discretion) will be suitable for this purpose. For example, Gmail has proven itself well. At the top (in the right corner) next to your profile picture (if you are already registered), you will see a small arrow. You need to click on it and select the word “Privacy” from the menu. Then (in the Google section) go to “ Personal Area" The “Web Search History” category will allow you to see the link you are looking for. It's called "Delete entries from Web History." If you click on it, Google will provide a list of all your online surveys, which it has faithfully saved. Now you can delete them with literally one click (button – “Delete records”).
If you follow these tips, you can easily and simply maintain order in your personal data on the Internet, even after long surfing.
You can remove traces of your Internet surfing using a special free utility(www.smartprotector.com). The program erases all information that can be used to determine where and when the user has been on the Internet.
After launching the application, traces of your online presence will be displayed in its window. By pressing the Erase button, you can easily destroy them. The program allows you to delete log files, cookies, temporary Internet files, clean the index.dat file, and also clear the list of recent open documents and a basket.
Free History Eraser. Using the "AutoErase is ON/OFF" switch, you can set automatic removal network "garbage"
Using the "AutoErase is ON/OFF" switch, you can set the automatic removal of network "garbage". The files will be deleted after disconnecting from the Internet or after the last browser window is closed.
Another program - (www.ccleaner.com) - will allow you not only to delete files resulting from Internet surfing, but also to clean your operating system from the huge number of temporary files that accumulate during work. A large number of such files sometimes slow down the system, and with using CCleaner you will get rid of these problems.
CCleaner erases the cache and history of page views in Internet Explorer, cookies, cleans index.dat, recycle bin, TEMP files and logs, temporary files of client programs: Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, Office XP, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip. And besides this, and no less important, the program allows you to clean the system registry of garbage left behind by already deleted applications.
After starting the program, three tabs will be displayed in its window. Each of them is designed to clean up temporary files of a certain type.
CCleaner utility
On Windows tab you can delete files left over from Internet surfing, as well as lists of recently viewed files or running programs. The other two tabs are for clearing temporary files installed applications("Applications" tab), to check the system registry and icons in the main menu and on the desktop. On each tab, you need to mark the sections that should be deleted, and then click “Run Cleaner”. The program window will display the progress of work and a list of deleted files.
In the "Tools" window you can specify the uninstallation of applications
In addition, CCleaner can uninstall applications. The "Service" section is intended for this. In the window that appears, you must select already unnecessary program and click the "Uninstall" button.
Lists open files and connected via USB devices, browser history, DNS cache - all this helps to find out what the user was doing. We have compiled step by step instructions how to remove traces of your activities in different Windows versions, Office and popular browsers. At the end of the article you will find several scripts that will help you automatically keep your machine clean.
1. Clear lists of recent places and programs
Let's start cleaning with lists of recent places and programs. The list of recent (in Windows 10 - frequently used) programs is in the main menu, and the list of recent places is in Explorer.
How to turn off this disgrace? In Windows 7 - click right click mouse on the “Start” button, select “Properties” and in the window that appears, uncheck both checkboxes in the “Privacy” section.
To clear the list of recent places and documents, you need to delete the contents of the %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent directory. To do this, open command line and run two commands:
Cd %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent echo y | del *.*
It also wouldn't hurt to delete the contents of the %appdata%\microsoft\windows\recent\automaticdestinations\ directory. It stores latest files, which appear in the jump list:
Cd %appdata%\microsoft\windows\recent\automaticdestinations\ echo y | del *.*
To ensure that recent files are cleared automatically when you exit, you must enable the "Clear the history of recently opened documents on exit" policy, which is located in the "User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar" section.
Now let's move on to Windows 10. You can disable the list of recently added and frequently used applications through the Settings window. Open it and go to the “Personalization” section, “Start”. Turn off everything that is there.
It seems that the problem has been solved, but this, alas, is not entirely true. If you enable these parameters again, then all lists with the same composition will appear again. Therefore, you will have to disable this feature through Group Policy. Open gpedit.msc and go to User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar. Enable the following policies:
- “Clearing the list of recently used programs for new users”;
- “Clear history of recently opened documents on exit”;
- “Clear notification log on tile when exiting”;
- “Remove the list of programs pinned to the Start menu.”
Clearing recent places in Windows 10 is easier than in Windows 7. Open File Explorer, go to the View tab and click the Options button. In the window that appears, disable the “Show recently used files in the Quick Access Toolbar” and “Show frequently used folders in the Quick Access Toolbar” options. Don't forget to click the "Clear" button.
As you can see, such a simple task as cleaning up the last objects has a rather complicated solution. No editing group policies- nowhere.
2. Clear the list of USB drives
At some sensitive facilities, only flash drives registered in the log are allowed to be connected to the computer. Moreover, as usual, the magazine is the most ordinary one - paper. That is, the computer itself does not in any way restrict the connection of unregistered drives. It doesn’t limit, but it records! And if during the check it is discovered that the user connected unregistered drives, he will have problems.
We under no circumstances advise you to try to steal military secrets, but the ability to clear the list of recently connected drives can be useful in other life situations. To do this, look at the following registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR\ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\
Here they are - all the drives that you connected to your computer.
It would seem that you just need to take it and clean everything. But it was not there! Firstly, the permissions for these registry branches are set in such a way that you cannot delete anything even in “seven”, not to mention “ten”.
Secondly, assigning rights and permissions manually takes a long time, especially if there are many drives. Thirdly, administrator rights will not help. The screenshot above was created when I performed the delete operation with admin rights. Fourthly, in addition to these two sections, you need to clean a long list of sections. Moreover, they need not just to be deleted, but to be edited correctly.
If for some reason you need to do everything manually, then look for keywords MountPoints, MountedDevices DeviceClasses and RemovableMedia. But it’s much easier to use a ready-made program that will do everything for you. Some forums recommend USBDeview for this. However, I tested it and declare that it does not clear information from all the necessary sections. USBSTOR And USB continue to contain information about connected media.
I can recommend the program. Run it, check the “Perform real cleaning” checkbox. You can turn on the “Save .reg cancel file” option or not, but if the goal is not to test the program, but to prepare for an upcoming computer inspection, then it’s better to turn it off.
The program not only cleans the registry, but also displays a detailed log of its actions (see below). When it finishes, there will be no mention of connecting drives to the computer.
3. Clear cache and browser history
The third point in our tutu is clearing the cache and browser history. There are no difficulties here - each browser allows you to reset the list of recently visited sites.
Continuation is available only to members
Option 1. Join the “site” community to read all materials on the site
Membership in the community within the specified period will give you access to ALL Hacker materials, increase your personal cumulative discount and allow you to accumulate a professional Xakep Score rating!