PC Hell: Review of PCDecrapifier, Software Removal Tool

PCDecrapifier is a nifty name for a removal program that will attempt to uninstall and remove many common trialware programs, internet provider ads, useless desktop icons, and other junk (crap) that comes preloaded on a computer. Normally, you would have to uninstall these items using the Add/Remove section of the Control Panel or manually delete them. PCDecrapifier will quickly remove these items for you.

It appears the program is being updated on a regular basis and adding programs to the uninstall list continually. It has now added the ability to check for an updated version of PCDecrapifier, a link to the list of uninstalled programs, a few fixes for problematic uninstalls, and more.

Although the program is free, there is a commercial version available as well that adds even more automation to the process of removing unwanted apps.

As a test, I tried the latest version 1.8.6 (as of 10/16/07) on a new Emachine computer, a customer had recently purchased. The removal procedure was pretty quick, although the program actually froze when trying to uninstall the trial version of McAfee antivirus, and after several attempts I manually removed McAfee using the Control Panel and the automatic removal program from McAfee.

Most of the junk on the computer was removed properly, although it missed the AOL 9.0 icons and program, and an icon on the desktop for EBay. I was hopeful the program would remove all the WildTangent games and software, but after several attempts, the WildTangent software remained until I uninstalled it from the Add/Remove Control Panel.

One of my concerns with the program is the inclusion in the uninstall list of Roxio and Sonic RecordNow CD recording software. Many times this software is fully operational CD burning software and the removal of it leaves the user with only the use of Windows XP or Windows Vista built-in CD burning software. The PCDecrapifier website warns the users of their uninstall utility that some software you may not want to remove, however the beginner computer user won't be able to distinguish the difference between some of these programs and may accidentally remove very useful software. Therefore, please be cautious in removing the software listed by PCDecrapifier.

Since its a free and easy to use program to remove the advertisements and trial software from a new computer, I would recommend the program. With the understanding that some software in the list may actually be useful, and that the program may have trouble removing certain programs, especially antivirus software.

PCDecrapifier is however a useful tool to be used with caution on new computers, and it appears the program will get better as time goes on.