HELP! Freeware for XP to get rid of unwanted software????

Heedtheadvice

Debtmonkey, do not ignore forget's earlier post!
Not all programs need to be installed in the common manner that others tell you how to 'uninstall'.


Might be a good idea to post the names of the programs you wish to remove to get specific advice.......

that

Go to MS, download the sysinternals suite. In there you will find PROCEXP and PROCEXP64. Procexp is like a task manager on steroids. Run this as admin.

In the Options box make sure Verify Image Signatures is ticked, and directly below is Virus Total click this and tick Check VirusTotal.com, and tick Submit Unknown Executables.

Under View tick Show Processes From All Users. Choose Select Columns, tick Virus total and User Name too

At first glance the most important columns are: Virus Total, and Verified signer.

the Virus Total should be all blue, but if any are red and the count is like 2/68 then in is still probably a safe false positive.

For Verified Signer expect most to be ms, intel. Expect the verifier to be Avira - if you use avira, but you should be able to recognise the verified name with the product. The possible problem ones are '(No signature was present in the subject)', but these still could be good and valid software written by a small developer who did not have the time or resources to get it verified, but often they are rogue.

You can also right click on an entry, choose properties, Image tab as this tells you the file location and startup command. If unsure of the file, dont delete, just kill the job via Procexp and rename the extension form say 'file.exe' to 'file.exe.DEBTMONKEY1A', or better still rename its parent directory from say 'bonjour' to 'bonjour.DEBTMONKEY1A'

This makes it easy to rename back if all does not work well.

This can't handle boot partition viruses, or things that may happens before windows runs. Also it does not detect browser hijacking, a remote proxy configuration, rogue dns, compromised flash, or hijacked web stuff including java..

dogmaryxx

that wrote: »

Go to MS, download the sysinternals suite. In there you will find PROCEXP and PROCEXP64. Procexp is like a task manager on steroids. Run this as admin.

Will it run on XP ? States Windows Vista and higher.

that

dogmaryxx wrote: »

Will it run on XP ? States Windows Vista and higher.

the non x64 did, but as they keep updating it then may have knobbled the software? The much older version did not support VirusTotal, but newer on xp software did

you have nothing to lose in trying it

dogmaryxx

that wrote: »

you have nothing to lose in trying it

Suggesting incompatible software will not help.

Thinking of OP and problems it may cause.

Suggest he steers clear.

poppellerant

I hate to say this, but this is a harsh lesson in why you should keep with the times - you get left behind if you don't.

Use an up-to-date computer running the current (1803) version of Windows 10 for better security and software options.

googler

DEBTMONKEY1A wrote: »

Hi! Have an old XP PC . always careful with antivirus/malware etc. To cut a long story short have FOUR unwanted software items which I simply can't get rid of. Worse is a weird Oriental one.....all boxes no text. 1.4gb! How the hell do I get rid of these, preferably a freeware program? Tearing my hair out!:beer:

Do you have an install disc for the operating system?

that

dogmaryxx wrote: »

Suggesting incompatible software will not help.

Thinking of OP and problems it may cause.

Suggest he steers clear.

??? Be very surprised if it does not work. Incompatible in which way? Now XP is no longer supported, everything is incompatible, because no manufacturer supports xp, or wants the liability, does not mean to say it will not work, but it may not work.

version 16.21 has virustotal in it and was before xp became 'obsolete' (though we still use it at work in some areas). You should find it on google. Me, first I would try the non 64 bit new one - perhaps I live on the edge