How to remove drivers remaing from app's not in use anymore 1

[bronan]

Can you help me how to detect and remove drivers remains after uninstall of different app’s on my XP OS.
Is there any useful program for such an action and is this advisable , or not.

 

[linney]

I wouldn't worry about it unless a specific remnant was actually causing you some noticeable problem. Your question may lead you into the slippery path of using Registry Cleaners which I also never use other than perhaps as a last resort prior to a clean install.

Most of the drivers would have the .sys extension and be in the C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers folder, you would have to look for clues via the Properties, or the Internet, as to what is what.

If you use the Recovery Console and the Listsvc command you can see what drivers (and Services) are loading at boot, or startup. You also have the option via the Disable command to stop them from loading.

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Make a mistake and you may end up with BSOD's.

 

[edfair]

You could be brave and clean out the registry entries directly. But you could also corrupt the system beyond all hope of repair.

All should be removed when you remove the software, but we both know stuff gets left behind.

I've used the "Ultimate troubleshooter" for finding stuff that was creating problems, have also used several different cleaners with various levels of success.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.