Removing programs from D: drive

[NBachers]

My computer was set up with a C: drive and a D: drive, both on the same 160 GB hard drive. The D: drive was primarily to hold stuff from the previous computer's hard drive.

I don't need a lot of these old programs anymore. The Add/Delete feature in Control Panel only shows what's on the C: side. Secunia shows I've got a lot of end-of-life and insecure programs on the D: side.

I can just highlight the stuff I want to remove and delete it, but it seems like a sure recipe for trouble. Can anyone help me with advice on how to uninstall old programs and files that don't show up on Add/Delete? The extra space would be welcome. I'm using Windows XP SP3 . . . Thanks

[hobbit709]

1. If it's on D and not on C, you can just delete

They are not active programs and are probably not even usable. If you can't actually run any of these programs then don't worry about it. Unless there is actual data on D you want to save, just format D and wipe that whole partition to a clean start.

[Duer 157099]

2. As posted above, if the programs are not actually installed

then you can just delete the folders on D: that contain the programs/files you want to delete.

If you want to be extra sure, find the .exe for the program in question on the D: drive and click on it. Does the program start or does it ask if you want to install it? If it asks, then that means it is not already installed. If it starts then look around in the same folder where that .exe was to see if there are any "uninstall" programs or notes or anything that might tell you something about the installation and where files might go. Some programs will just execute from the .exe without needing to be installed. They can be safely deleted if you no longer want them.

After you delete whatever you're going to, make sure the Restore function is on and backup your system and then use a program like CCleaner to get rid of any leftover remnants that might have been in the registry and elsewhere.

[NBachers]

3. Thanks, this is all good information. I'll use it.

I've got CCleaner. I like it.