14 DAY TRIAL // Windows' built-in feature for removing installed applications is limited, since most programs leave behind files that clutter the hard disk as well as registry entries that slow down the computer. This is why some software developers create utilities specifically designed to eliminate all traces left behind by an app after uninstalling it.
We have covered a lot of such tools in the past, such as IObit Uninstaller, Revo Uninstaller Pro and Total Uninstall. This time we're shifting our attention to Smarty Uninstaller. It is built to work on all popular Windows versions from XP to 8/8.1, and features additional utilities for optimizing the system, such as an autostart manager.
License type, installation, interface
The trial version is available for 21 days, and there are no features restricted during this time. Once it expires, users may either remove Smarty Uninstaller or purchase the full package for $24.99 / €24.99.
It is installed quickly and effortlessly, after which it brings up a regular window with a ribbon bar and a list of all installed applications. The interface may seem confusing to the inexperienced user, yet it is manageable after spending some time getting to know it.
Remove installed programs and leftovers
By switching from icon to list view, it is possible to examine app details which include the publisher, web link, size, version, installed date and group for each entry. A search function is available to quickly locate a particular application, while programs can be grouped together into predefined and custom-made categories.
Once the uninstall command is triggered, Smarty runs the program's default uninstall file and silently scans the computer for any remnant files or registry entries. If such objects are found, users may inspect details revolving around their size and position in the disk or registry, switch to tree view mode to find all parent folders or registry hives, pick the exact ones they want removed, exclude any items from the current and future scans, look them up online, and copy their information to the Clipboard. A report can be generated and saved to a file with HTML format.
Uninstall programs and delete leftovers without supervision
Smarty integrates a feature that enables users to resort to forced uninstall mode. It means that it will go through all the wizard steps of the default uninstaller and eliminate any found leftovers on its own, without requiring any assistance. Alternatively, users may request the utility to simply show all folders, files, registry keys and services of a program in tree view mode (without performing any further operations), in order to find out the exact objects it created on the disk at installation.
Take system snapshots to accurately remove programs
Smarty can take snapshots of the system when getting ready to set up new programs, in order to record the original and post-installation Windows state. Once the new tool is installed, users may remove it later by taking into account the uninstall snapshot, meaning that it compares the two snapshots to find the exact files, registry entries and services created by the application in question, thus accurately eliminating everything.
Additionally, Smarty can create a system restore point before carrying out a program uninstallation, in order to restore Windows to its previous state in case it starts experiencing stability issues. It is also able to securely delete the items to prevent unauthorized users from recovering data with specialized tools, or just send them to the Recycle Bin. Extended details may be investigated in log files. If any objects are currently being used by other programs or Windows itself, they will be automatically deleted at the next PC reboot.
Manage autostart applications and use additional tools
As previously mentioned, Smarty Uninstaller implements a function that permits users to manage programs which are automatically launched at system startup. They can be removed from the sequence to speed up boot time, edited in terms of target path, command lines, item name and starting location, launched immediately and looked up online for more information while new apps can be assigned.
It is also possible to create a system restore point or full backup of the registry and restore it at a later time, change the icon of an installed program, add new apps manually to the list if they're not already there, as well as remove entries from the list (useful if there's no intention to uninstall those programs soon).
Configure Smarty Uninstaller settings
Windows updates can be shown on the list to uninstall those known to have issues. Users may also view and remove hidden system components, such as Java, and redistributable packages which are required for some apps to run. Files and registry entries excluded from the uninstallation can be put back on the list.
The Good
Apart from the fact that it can remove programs, Smarty is able to detect and eliminate leftover files, registry entries and services. It features a forced uninstall mode that deletes everything without asking the user for confirmation, can simply display all installed objects without making any changes (for analysis purposes), and lets users take pre- and post-system snapshots to accurately remove all objects created by a program when deciding to uninstall it.
Apps which automatically run at Windows boot can be managed (add, edit, remove), logs and reports can be generated and saved to file, objects can be shredded or excluded from the scanner and uninstaller, registry backups and system restore points can be created, whereas Windows updates and hidden components can be shown on the list of programs to uninstall them as well.
The tool is very simple to use once you get the hang of it. Novices are welcome to try it, while experts can resort to advanced settings to take control over every aspect of the uninstallation process.
The Bad
Sometimes it takes a while to scan for leftover files, services and registry entries.
The Truth
NOTE: You can also read our previous review for Smarty Uninstaller 2009 Pro 2.5.3.
