Advanced Uninstaller Pro

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on April 17, 2012

A good standalone uninstallation application can remove traces of programs that other uninstallers leave behind, and that includes the built-in Windows feature. Advanced Uninstaller Pro is a free tool that not only removes all detectable traces of the programs you uninstall but also automatically cleans traces from the Registry. Its unique installation-monitoring feature automatically or manually tracks what happens to your system when you install or uninstall programs. It not only ensures that all traces of installed programs are removed but also helps diagnose installation problems. Advanced Uninstaller Pro also packs a wide range of system maintenance tools and tweaks.

Advanced Uninstaller Pro's interface has a unique look but familiar functionality, with large buttons on a space-themed background. The program's features are categorized by function, such as General Tools, Registry Tools, and Internet Browser Tools. Some tools show up in more than one heading, such as the Windows Services tool. The main tool, the uninstaller, lists programs alphabetically and by version (32-bit or 64-bit) but not by installation date, version, location, and other headings we're used to seeing in an uninstaller. That's our only complaint, though, since this tool was quick and thorough in its actions. We especially like the built-in Registry scanner and cleaner, which can remove traces of uninstalled programs immediately. We could specify which entries to clean or exclude. We enabled the Installation Monitor Feature and selected automatic monitoring, but we could also track installations manually from Advanced Uninstaller's system tray icon. The feature records exactly what installing a program does to your file system and Registry, and displays it in a log view. Advanced Uninstaller Pro has a full raft of extras, such as a Cookie Manager, Duplicate File tool, Registry Cleaner and Optimizer, Startup Manager, Fonts tools, and much more.

Advanced Uninstaller Pro brings some unique and useful improvements to a simple process that all too often comes up short. You can't depend on Windows to remove all traces of uninstalled programs, but this free toolkit can do the job as well as any tool we've tried. Adding installation date would make it ideal.

Publisher's Description

From Innovative Solutions:

Advanced Uninstaller PRO 11 is the ultimate uninstaller for Windows. You can uninstall programs quickly and completely using its simple and intuitive interface. The new Metro (Windows 8) style offers a much better user experience while the software remains fully compatible with all other versions of Windows (7, Vista, XP, Server both 32 and 64 bit editions). The Installation Monitor included in the program can watch all the actions that a program performs on your computer while it installs. Advanced Uninstaller PRO remembers these changes so later you can completely uninstall that program, making sure nothing is left behind. This tool can remove any program without a trace. Advanced Uninstaller PRO can also remove a lot of items that other uninstallers don't even touch. It repairs broken registry entries, cleans non-functional Start Menu shortcuts, uninstalls annoying browser toolbars, plugins and hijackers, removes fonts and gets rid of startup programs that slow down your computer.

The program is especially designed to be very clear, fast, pleasant and intuitive. Easy to read information and help is readily available throughout the program, guiding you every step of the way. Advanced Uninstaller PRO helps your PC run at full speed by taking good care of the Windows registry and services. It also helps you free disk space by detecting and removing duplicate files and helping you turn on the Windows file compression if needed. The program can delete the web browsing and document opening history in many applications, so you can surf the Internet and open images, videos and any other file without worry. It can also defend your right to privacy by shredding the files and folders you choose in such a way that they won't ever be recovered. With the latest Advanced Uninstaller PRO 11, you have all the tools you need to uninstall programs, speed up and fix your PC, protect your privacy, remove lots of annoying plugins, toolbars and browser hijackers that other cleaning tools don't detect and remove. Advanced Uninstaller PRO runs on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and Windows XP and has been reviewed and recommended by prestigious computer magazines.

What's new in this version: Version 11.18 includes several minor bug fixes.