Clean PC from programs installed on dead HDD

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frank20a

Reputable
Sep 12, 2015
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4,510
Hello guys,
Recently my HDD died and i was not aable to recover my data. I bought a new one and i will reinstall my programs there but on my Win 10 the old programs still show up but ofcourse cannot be opened or uninstalled as all the installation files are on the dead drive. How can i remove all the programs that windows think are installed on my pc?
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
6,758
3
45,960
Hey there, Frank!

You could try using the clean install guide from MS for your OS: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/clean-install
However, I'd strongly recommend you to reinstall all other software onto your new drive. Make sure when you do this, that you've unplugged your old dead HDD. There's no need for it to be inside your system as it would most definitely hurt the performance.
If you need to recover any kind of data from it, I'd recommend you to turn to a professional data recovery company. They are your best bet at getting your files back.

Best of luck!
SuperSoph_WD
 
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frank20a

Reputable
Sep 12, 2015
11
0
4,510


I have an SSD with Windows 10 and small everyday software (WINRar, VLC, etc), an HDD with personal documents and software (the one who died) and an HDD with movies, photos and music. I managed to get rid of some programs by deleting registry entries but some still show up on programs and features menu on control panel such as adobe software and microsoft office.
 
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frank20a

Reputable
Sep 12, 2015
11
0
4,510


Thank you for your responce. My HDD is currently on professional hands and they need 400 euros to recover my data so this is not an option for me. I really do not want to clean install windows but if there is no other option i will keep it in mind.

Thank's again.
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
6,758
3
45,960
Hey there again, Frank!

Well, even if they do recover all the data, you won't be able to simply clone a software that was previously installed there or even the OS. You should have no trouble activating Windows on your computer, as the OS communicates with the motherboard, whereas the HDD is just a carrier. So it's better to simply re-install the Windows version.
However, using a previously installed software on a new HDD is not recommended, even if it was cloned from a healthy hard drive. The programs would most definitely underperform if they actually can load properly even.

Either way, hope I was helpful.
Good luck! :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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frank20a

Reputable
Sep 12, 2015
11
0
4,510


I do not want to reinstall programs from the dead disk. I wont ever pay to recover them. I will install them from the top. I just want all my old programs gone from the windows program lists such us "All Apps" on start menu and "Programs and Features" on control panel.
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
6,758
3
45,960
Oh, I see now!
Well, if all of the attempts to manually remove the programs didn't work, then I'd suggest you to find a third-party cleanup utility that might help you uninstall them. http://www.sevenforums.com/software/195327-uninstalled-program-still-listed-installed-programs-2.html
If that doesn't work, I'd recommend you to consider re-installing Windows from scratch again. Make sure you have only the SSD plugged to the motherboard's SATA ports if you decide to go with that.

Best of luck! Hope I was helpful.
SuperSoph_WD
 
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