Problem uninstalling Google Chrome

After taking about 30 mins. for Chrome to uninstall, it failed to remove
the desktop icon for it. Now when I try to delete the icon, it says I
"need permission", and when I continue, it gives me a "recycling"
message and just whirls ... until I get tired of it and cancel. I think
10 mins or so, is long enough for it to do this small task.

Can anyone tell me specifically how I can find this icon file, and
delete it? TIA ....
bj

chicagofan wrote:
After taking about 30 mins. for Chrome to uninstall, it failed to remove
the desktop icon for it. Now when I try to delete the icon, it says I
"need permission", and when I continue, it gives me a "recycling"
message and just whirls ... until I get tired of it and cancel. I think
10 mins or so, is long enough for it to do this small task.

Can anyone tell me specifically how I can find this icon file, and
delete it? TIA ....
bj

For fun, try the MoveFile utility ?

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/...nals/pendmoves

Windows Update and various installers, can use PendMoves to
have stuff done on the next reboot. That's part of that "30%
spinning wheel" thing. A user can also partake. This deletes
test.exe file.

movefile test.exe ""

The other option, is to make yourself SYSTEM and do it.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/...rnals/bb897553

In an Administrator command prompt:

cd /d C:\users\username\Downloads

PSExec -hsi cmd.exe

In the new Command Prompt window that opens as a result, try

whoami /user /priv

and it will list your current account (the word "System" should
be mentioned).

del C:\path\to\naughty\file

*******

The other part of the problem, is finding the file.

Use Agent Ransack or Everything.exe (voidtools) to search the
partition. Windows Search only searches "visible" places. There
is at least one folder you're not going to get into in any case.

I would choose Agent Ransack, for a "slow but steady" search
on file name. Agent Ransack also includes content search, but
that would be very slow. But what it lacks in the speed
department, it makes up for by being thorough.

https://www.mythicsoft.com/agentransack/download

*******

Yes, there is other software like Unlocker (with adware in the
package), but I like the complicated ways... :-)

*******

As far as I know, there could be two folders that contain
desktop items. But for me, it's just easier to have you
use Agent Ransack and search for "Chrome", and spot it that way.
And then you'll be ready the next time when it happens.

When removing Chrome, that doesn't remove Google Updater.
The way Google Updater is supposed to work, is removal of
the last Google-originated program, is supposed to cause
Google Updater to be removed. But, you can assume it'll still
be there later.

*******

When Chrome shows no entry in Programs and Features, there is
*still* a command sitting in a folder with the tarball it uses.
And that command can be used to uninstall Chrome. This is sometimes
necessary, on a "Chrome drive-by" install. For example, if you
install Java from Sun/Oracle, you might end up with a copy
of Chrome "by accident" :-) Google "pays a buck", for every
successful drive-by installation.

Look for the "chrome.7z" file. Next to it, should be a setup.exe.
In a command prompt window, you "cd" to the place holding
chrome.7z (approx 150MB) and setup.exe (approx 1MB).

cd /d C:\path\to\these\files

if a chromium installation:

setup.exe --uninstall

if a chrome installation:

setup.exe --uninstall --multi-install --chrome --system-level

That's an example of how to get rid of it. Now, if you wanted
to *reinstall* it, those two files might be convenient for
the task. See if you still have a chrome.7z (by using Agent
Ransack for the search).

Paul

Wolf K wrote:
On 2017-04-18 15:54, chicagofan wrote:
After taking about 30 mins. for Chrome to uninstall, it failed to remove
the desktop icon for it. Now when I try to delete the icon, it says I
"need permission", and when I continue, it gives me a "recycling"
message and just whirls ... until I get tired of it and cancel. I think
10 mins or so, is long enough for it to do this small task.

Can anyone tell me specifically how I can find this icon file, and
delete it? TIA ....
bj

Some items will not be deleted or unlocked until the next boot. Reboot,
and delete any the leftovers.


Maybe it's owned by TrustedInstaller ?

Paul

On 4/18/2017 2:54 PM, chicagofan wrote:
After taking about 30 mins. for Chrome to uninstall, it failed to remove
the desktop icon for it. Now when I try to delete the icon, it says I
"need permission", and when I continue, it gives me a "recycling"
message and just whirls ... until I get tired of it and cancel. I think
10 mins or so, is long enough for it to do this small task.

Can anyone tell me specifically how I can find this icon file, and
delete it? TIA ....
bj


been there ! I could never get rid of it by normal means ---
finally had to do a system restore to a date prior to Chrome
install. Why is Google so desperate to get this thing on
computers (I've also encountered some freeware things which
only install with Chrome included)!

On 18/4/2017 12:54, chicagofan wrote:

After taking about 30 mins. for Chrome to uninstall, it failed to remove
the desktop icon for it. Now when I try to delete the icon, it says I
"need permission", and when I continue, it gives me a "recycling"
message and just whirls ... until I get tired of it and cancel. I think
10 mins or so, is long enough for it to do this small task.

Can anyone tell me specifically how I can find this icon file, and
delete it? TIA ....
bj

Try Revo Uninstaller -- the free version. Really, truly uninstalls.
Gets everything, even in the Registry. I've used it for years. Run it
as the Administrator. Very rarely, in Safe Mode, too.

Stef

On Tue, 18 Apr 2017 15:54:50 -0400
chicagofan wrote:

After taking about 30 mins. for Chrome to uninstall, it failed to
remove the desktop icon for it. Now when I try to delete the icon,
it says I "need permission", and when I continue, it gives me a
"recycling" message and just whirls ... until I get tired of it and
cancel. I think 10 mins or so, is long enough for it to do this
small task.

Can anyone tell me specifically how I can find this icon file, and
delete it? TIA ....
bj

You can't undo SUCKA...move along.

On Tue, 18 Apr 2017 15:54:50 -0400, chicagofan
wrote:

After taking about 30 mins. for Chrome to uninstall, it failed to remove
the desktop icon for it. Now when I try to delete the icon, it says I
"need permission", and when I continue, it gives me a "recycling"
message and just whirls ... until I get tired of it and cancel. I think
10 mins or so, is long enough for it to do this small task.

Can anyone tell me specifically how I can find this icon file, and
delete it? TIA ....

I have seen this behavior only on infected pc.

Normally Google Chrome uninstall itself without any problem.

--
Gianni

In message , Stef
writes:
[]
Try Revo Uninstaller -- the free version. Really, truly uninstalls.
Gets everything, even in the Registry. I've used it for years. Run it
as the Administrator. Very rarely, in Safe Mode, too.

Stef

I don't know about Chrome, but IME, the free version of Revo needs to be
run before a software's own uninstaller: it calls that uninstaller, and
I get the feeling it monitors what that does to give it some hints where
(in registry and on disc) to look. Certainly, I've found (unless I'm
missing something) that I'm unable to run it on anything that's not in
add/remove programs (or the same function by a different name in later
versions of Windows).

Having said that, I _am_ very impressed with how thorough it is when it
_is_ run in the normal way (i. e. that calls the uninstaller).
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Science fiction is escape into reality - Arthur C Clarke

Paul wrote:
chicagofan wrote:
After taking about 30 mins. for Chrome to uninstall, it failed to
remove the desktop icon for it. Now when I try to delete the icon,
it says I "need permission", and when I continue, it gives me a
"recycling" message and just whirls ... until I get tired of it and
cancel. I think 10 mins or so, is long enough for it to do this
small task.

Can anyone tell me specifically how I can find this icon file, and
delete it? TIA ....
bj

For fun, try the MoveFile utility ?

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/...nals/pendmoves

Windows Update and various installers, can use PendMoves to
have stuff done on the next reboot. That's part of that "30%
spinning wheel" thing. A user can also partake. This deletes
test.exe file.

movefile test.exe ""

The other option, is to make yourself SYSTEM and do it.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/...rnals/bb897553

In an Administrator command prompt:

cd /d C:\users\username\Downloads

PSExec -hsi cmd.exe

In the new Command Prompt window that opens as a result, try

whoami /user /priv

and it will list your current account (the word "System" should
be mentioned).

del C:\path\to\naughty\file

*******

The other part of the problem, is finding the file.

Use Agent Ransack or Everything.exe (voidtools) to search the
partition. Windows Search only searches "visible" places. There
is at least one folder you're not going to get into in any case.

I would choose Agent Ransack, for a "slow but steady" search
on file name. Agent Ransack also includes content search, but
that would be very slow. But what it lacks in the speed
department, it makes up for by being thorough.

https://www.mythicsoft.com/agentransack/download

*******

Yes, there is other software like Unlocker (with adware in the
package), but I like the complicated ways... :-)

*******

As far as I know, there could be two folders that contain
desktop items. But for me, it's just easier to have you
use Agent Ransack and search for "Chrome", and spot it that way.
And then you'll be ready the next time when it happens.

When removing Chrome, that doesn't remove Google Updater.
The way Google Updater is supposed to work, is removal of
the last Google-originated program, is supposed to cause
Google Updater to be removed. But, you can assume it'll still
be there later.

*******

When Chrome shows no entry in Programs and Features, there is
*still* a command sitting in a folder with the tarball it uses.
And that command can be used to uninstall Chrome. This is sometimes
necessary, on a "Chrome drive-by" install. For example, if you
install Java from Sun/Oracle, you might end up with a copy
of Chrome "by accident" :-) Google "pays a buck", for every
successful drive-by installation.

Look for the "chrome.7z" file. Next to it, should be a setup.exe.
In a command prompt window, you "cd" to the place holding
chrome.7z (approx 150MB) and setup.exe (approx 1MB).

cd /d C:\path\to\these\files

if a chromium installation:

setup.exe --uninstall

if a chrome installation:

setup.exe --uninstall --multi-install --chrome --system-level

That's an example of how to get rid of it. Now, if you wanted
to *reinstall* it, those two files might be convenient for
the task. See if you still have a chrome.7z (by using Agent
Ransack for the search).

Paul

OMG!!! I feel like I owe you, just for typing all of this.

Thankfully, when I booted up today, the Google icon had been changed to
one from my icon file, labeled Google Chrome. I clicked on it, deleted
it .... and VOILA! It disappeared! I would have sworn that I rebooted
yesterday and it remained.

Thanks to *everyone* for your suggestions. I'm saving many for future
problems removing items.
bj

On 19/4/2017 15:33, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:

In message , Stef
writes:
[]
Try Revo Uninstaller -- the free version. Really, truly uninstalls.
Gets everything, even in the Registry. I've used it for years. Run it
as the Administrator. Very rarely, in Safe Mode, too.

Stef

I don't know about Chrome, but IME, the free version of Revo needs to be
run before a software's own uninstaller: it calls that uninstaller, and
I get the feeling it monitors what that does to give it some hints where
(in registry and on disc) to look. Certainly, I've found (unless I'm
missing something) that I'm unable to run it on anything that's not in
add/remove programs (or the same function by a different name in later
versions of Windows).

Having said that, I _am_ very impressed with how thorough it is when it
_is_ run in the normal way (i. e. that calls the uninstaller).

I have a vague recollections from years ago (under Win XP) having to
uninstall something that didn't have its own uninstaller. Revo
Uninstaller just skips that step, goes right to "scanning" for all the
apps parts, and removes them completely. Not even the app's
install folder remained. I always use the highest level of uninstall.
Even gets the user set config files.

Revo Uninstaller does exactly what it says it does even under
non-standard circumstances. Great tool.

Stef

In message , Wolf K
writes:
On 2017-04-20 10:36, Stef wrote:
On 19/4/2017 15:33, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:

In message , Stef
writes:
[]
Try Revo Uninstaller -- the free version. Really, truly uninstalls.
Gets everything, even in the Registry. I've used it for years. Run it
as the Administrator. Very rarely, in Safe Mode, too.

Stef

I don't know about Chrome, but IME, the free version of Revo needs to be
run before a software's own uninstaller: it calls that uninstaller, and
I get the feeling it monitors what that does to give it some hints where
(in registry and on disc) to look. Certainly, I've found (unless I'm
missing something) that I'm unable to run it on anything that's not in
add/remove programs (or the same function by a different name in later
versions of Windows).

Having said that, I _am_ very impressed with how thorough it is when it
_is_ run in the normal way (i. e. that calls the uninstaller).

I have a vague recollections from years ago (under Win XP) having to
uninstall something that didn't have its own uninstaller. Revo
Uninstaller just skips that step, goes right to "scanning" for all the
apps parts, and removes them completely. Not even the app's
install folder remained. I always use the highest level of uninstall.
Even gets the user set config files.

Revo Uninstaller does exactly what it says it does even under
non-standard circumstances. Great tool.

Stef

+1

I've always been impressed with Revo (free version), and yes, I always
go for the deepest level too. (And _AFAIK_ have never had it remove
anything that caused problems later.)

But how do you point it at things where it doesn't list them as
candidates for removal?
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes

On 22/4/2017 04:56, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:

In message , Wolf K
writes:
On 2017-04-20 10:36, Stef wrote:
On 19/4/2017 15:33, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:

In message , Stef
writes:
[]
Try Revo Uninstaller -- the free version. Really, truly uninstalls.
Gets everything, even in the Registry. I've used it for years. Run it
as the Administrator. Very rarely, in Safe Mode, too.

Stef

I don't know about Chrome, but IME, the free version of Revo needs to be
run before a software's own uninstaller: it calls that uninstaller, and
I get the feeling it monitors what that does to give it some hints where
(in registry and on disc) to look. Certainly, I've found (unless I'm
missing something) that I'm unable to run it on anything that's not in
add/remove programs (or the same function by a different name in later
versions of Windows).

Having said that, I _am_ very impressed with how thorough it is when it
_is_ run in the normal way (i. e. that calls the uninstaller).

I have a vague recollections from years ago (under Win XP) having to
uninstall something that didn't have its own uninstaller. Revo
Uninstaller just skips that step, goes right to "scanning" for all the
apps parts, and removes them completely. Not even the app's
install folder remained. I always use the highest level of uninstall.
Even gets the user set config files.

Revo Uninstaller does exactly what it says it does even under
non-standard circumstances. Great tool.

Stef

+1

I've always been impressed with Revo (free version), and yes, I always
go for the deepest level too. (And _AFAIK_ have never had it remove
anything that caused problems later.)

But how do you point it at things where it doesn't list them as
candidates for removal?

There is a "scan" mode or something. Only tested it once years ago, but
..never used it to uninstall anything. Just wanted to see how thorough
it was. Scans your system and creates a list of what to uninstall.

Stef

In message , Stef
writes:
On 22/4/2017 04:56, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:
[]
I've always been impressed with Revo (free version), and yes, I always
go for the deepest level too. (And _AFAIK_ have never had it remove
anything that caused problems later.)

But how do you point it at things where it doesn't list them as
candidates for removal?

There is a "scan" mode or something. Only tested it once years ago, but
.never used it to uninstall anything. Just wanted to see how thorough
it was. Scans your system and creates a list of what to uninstall.

Stef

Thanks. I'll have a look for it next time (if I remember!).
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Diplomacy is the art of letting someone have your way.

On 23/4/2017 00:34, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:

In message , Stef
writes:
On 22/4/2017 04:56, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:
[]
I've always been impressed with Revo (free version), and yes, I always
go for the deepest level too. (And _AFAIK_ have never had it remove
anything that caused problems later.)

But how do you point it at things where it doesn't list them as
candidates for removal?

There is a "scan" mode or something. Only tested it once years ago, but
.never used it to uninstall anything. Just wanted to see how thorough
it was. Scans your system and creates a list of what to uninstall.

Stef

Thanks. I'll have a look for it next time (if I remember!).

I think it's called Hunter Mode. Allows you to "pick" or Drag 'n' Drop
a file via icon from the Desktop, Launchbar, etc. to start, stop,
uninstall, etc.

Check out the Tools, too. Revo Unistaller does more than just
uninstalling.

Stef

In message , Stef
writes:
On 23/4/2017 00:34, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:
[]
But how do you point it at things where it doesn't list them as
candidates for removal?

There is a "scan" mode or something. Only tested it once years ago, but
.never used it to uninstall anything. Just wanted to see how thorough
it was. Scans your system and creates a list of what to uninstall.

Stef

Thanks. I'll have a look for it next time (if I remember!).

I think it's called Hunter Mode. Allows you to "pick" or Drag 'n' Drop
a file via icon from the Desktop, Launchbar, etc. to start, stop,
uninstall, etc.

Check out the Tools, too. Revo Unistaller does more than just
uninstalling.

Stef


Ah, so you still need a "seed" of _some_ sort to start it; that was my
feeling. That it can't clean up something you feel is still present in
bits but you aren't sure where.
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Look out for #1. Don't step in #2 either.