How do I delete registry files?

[DCnewbie]

I have some programs which I deleted from "Add/Remove Programs" and I want to make sure they are deleted... where do I go to delete these files in my registry?

Also, I know there is a website where you can type in the name of programs running in the registry files to check if they are legitimate... where can I check my programs?

Thanks for any help!
DC

 

[Jakl]

Start >> Run .. type in "Regedit"

Or Windows Key + R

Then search (Ctrl + F) and type in what program you have uninstalled

 

[spearman914]

type in regedit in the search box and press enter. Then from here on, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING UNLESS U KNOW WHAT UR DOING!! Go to Hkey_Local_Machine > Software > Then a list of program registry keys will pop up, delete anything that is uninstalled. Make sure u backup the keys unless something goes wrong. To backup, you do: Select a group of keys on the left pane > Right click > Export > name it "whatever.reg" > save it. To import the backup, click the reg file and click "merge"

 

[DCnewbie]

Does it matter if I deleted programs at:
Go to Hkey_Current User> Software intead of "Local Machine"?

Also, where can I check if programs listed there are legitimate? Isn't there a website to check the names of programs or applications?

 

[spearman914]

Does it matter if I deleted programs at:
Go to Hkey_Current User> Software intead of "Local Machine"?

Also, where can I check if programs listed there are legitimate? Isn't there a website to check the names of programs or applications?

HKEY_Current user will only delete the keys within the current account ur using so if u have another account, the keys will remain on that one. To delete it from ur entire system local machine is what u use. Ur second question i can't answer. sry

 

[Polarman]

I use this:

http://www.macecraft.com/regsupremepro/

 

[spearman914]

CCleaner has a built in registry cleaner too > http://www.ccleaner.com/
For an alternative i use this: http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_cleaner/registry_cleaner.htm

 

[Shad0WeN]

CCleaner is an awesome program, it has registry cleaner, temporary files cleaner, and is fast as hell to boot. There is also a section to uninstall programs or remove entries that didnt uninstall properly.