how to do TOTAL uninstall
(I posted this as part of another problem that I had with FF 57. I am asking as a new question, hoping for answer.)
I looked at FF Help as to how to do an Uninstall (as prior uninstall I did via Windows-Control Panel-Programs left some files). FF Help also mentioned a few other things that could be deleted, which I did. Except, it would not let me delete the PROFILE folder. Kept telling me must be an Administrator, which I am. I shut down for the night. Booted up next morning and, miracle of miracles, PROFILE folder was gone. That's good.
I expected every trace of FF to be gone. Next, I installed FF 57 again. And what did I see? Message saying: " Looks like you've reinstalled Firefox. Want us to clean it up for a fresh, like-new experience?" And a box to click to REFRESH. Which I didn't do.
Obviously, HELP was not totally accurate. The UNinstall and other instructions still leave something behind. But WHAT and WHERE? In the Registry? If so, why doesn't FF delete that, too?
I'd like to do another Uninstall, then do whatever's needed to TOTALLY remove all traces of FF. Can anyone instruct me on steps to do that? I am not too techie, and a Senior citizen, so need precise steps.
(Please do not recommend other websites or software downloads, apps, etc. I want to do it myself.)
I will be most appreciative of assistance.
Kathleen
Chosen solution
Hey . . . I have Win 10 also
It says this at the bottom:
Revo Uninstaller Pro is a fully functional trial - 30 days free
Revo Uninstaller Pro is fully compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows Server
. . . thought could delete some files somewhere. Perhaps in registry?
I haven't studied this much, but when I've used Revo Uninstaller before, it looks like it finds things in _many_ different places. It's too complex to do. Maybe the team that wrote the program could do it this way.
. . . Curious...why do you think can't be done by someone?
My best explanation would be, because only a computer knows what to look at to find files, and where to scan - many things are in the Registry, too many to find
. . . I don't understand why FF uninstaller doesn't remove everything.
Not crucial, since disk sizes are so huge today? Lazy programming? Maybe it eventually deletes itself?
As I understand it, Mac programs all stay contained (like Portable Apps? . . . https://portableapps.com/ ), and can be deleted in their entirety, but this is not so with native Windows programs.
A quick explanation doesn't come up . . . Here's something related:
Windows 7 – How to properly uninstall programs . . . https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2601726
When having problems: 1.) Before doing installs / un-installs, be sure to disable anti-virus and malware programs. 2.) Do a restart after de-install, then re-install 3.) I would try re-installing it, and then un-installing it again, first . . . if that doesn't work, then try Revo Uninstaller.
Read this answer in context 👍 0All Replies (7)
IMO, there is no way you can do it yourself.
I'd like to recommend trying the pro version of this for free:
https://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
Hi Sludge7051-x. I should have said I have Windows 10. thought could delete some files somewhere. Perhaps in registry?
Curious...why do you think can't be done by someone?
I don't understand why FF uninstaller doesn't remove everything.
Chosen Solution
Hey . . . I have Win 10 also
It says this at the bottom:
Revo Uninstaller Pro is a fully functional trial - 30 days free
Revo Uninstaller Pro is fully compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows Server
. . . thought could delete some files somewhere. Perhaps in registry?
I haven't studied this much, but when I've used Revo Uninstaller before, it looks like it finds things in _many_ different places. It's too complex to do. Maybe the team that wrote the program could do it this way.
. . . Curious...why do you think can't be done by someone?
My best explanation would be, because only a computer knows what to look at to find files, and where to scan - many things are in the Registry, too many to find
. . . I don't understand why FF uninstaller doesn't remove everything.
Not crucial, since disk sizes are so huge today? Lazy programming? Maybe it eventually deletes itself?
As I understand it, Mac programs all stay contained (like Portable Apps? . . . https://portableapps.com/ ), and can be deleted in their entirety, but this is not so with native Windows programs.
A quick explanation doesn't come up . . . Here's something related:
Windows 7 – How to properly uninstall programs . . . https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2601726
When having problems: 1.) Before doing installs / un-installs, be sure to disable anti-virus and malware programs. 2.) Do a restart after de-install, then re-install 3.) I would try re-installing it, and then un-installing it again, first . . . if that doesn't work, then try Revo Uninstaller.
Modified by sludge7051-x
Uninstall Firefox from your computer {web link}
DO NOT remove your profiles.
Hi Kathleen, did you want to try that folder rename I mentioned in the other thread that you said wasn't necessary? Or delete that folder?
Hello Fred McD: The link you have is the one I used a few days ago. In order to delete the Mozilla Firefox folder, you must remove the folders within them.. Profiles is one.
Kathleen
JScher: neither, at this point I see how I won't be able to do a TOTAL. and will live with FF recognizing me eventually if I reinstall.
I will close topic now. thanks everyoen.
Kathleen