Program that searches for and removes files that uninstalled progs leave behind

are there any programs that find and delete unneeded files?

alrighty, thanks for quick reply

There are .plists, but those are very small.

witeshark said:

If you delete by dragging to trash and secure empty trash after, there are no such files traces like there may be in the registry in windows

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Just a regular Empty Trash is fine, unless you're paranoid about the FBI reading your preference files...

witeshark said:

If you delete by dragging to trash and secure empty trash after, there are no such files traces like there may be in the registry in windows

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I'm sorry but what on EARTH did that have to do with his question? He was asking if there was any program that would seek out unneeded files that uninstalled programs leave behind.

Osiris22x said:

I'm sorry but what on EARTH did that have to do with his question? He was asking if there was any program that would seek out unneeded files that uninstalled programs leave behind.

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Uh, he was merely pointing out that there is no need for left-over file seeking programs because unlike Windows, moving the folder to the trash removes 99.9% of the related files (as you probably know).

How is that not relevant to the original post?

There isn't?
So why - when I uninstall demo programs, then later decide to try a new version - it says "Sorry, Demo expired", when I had manually looked through all areas to find everything with the name of that demo? There's obviously something still left behind.

And I HATE when things leave their trash on my drive - I Don't care how small that trash may be!

THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME SORT OF UNINSTALLER THAT CLEANS UP THE CRAP AFTER AN APP HAS BEEN REMOVED!

Sorry, but that's my main pet peeve on Mac! (not saying that Windows is any better... but still!!!).

The best I've been able to find is Aladdin's Clean Sweep... altho it's an old version (like 3 versions old now?) that came with Norton System Works (old version too)... thinking of buying the new version of Clean Sweep ($50 I think).
http://www.aladdinsys.com/mac/springcleaning/

HTH

Sogni said:

There isn't?
So why - when I uninstall demo programs, then later decide to try a new version - it says "Sorry, Demo expired", when I had manually looked through all areas to find everything with the name of that demo? There's obviously something still left behind.

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Thats the whole point, to stop peoeple from just reinstalling the software and never having to pay the developer. It's not called a demo for nothing. If you've already tried deleting the plist, they probably put the file somewhere sneaky.

For same version of the demo I understand... but when NEW versions come out they should reset the demo time so - forwhatever reason the previous version didn't convince me to buy it - maybe the new one will!

For example, based on a Demo - I've submitted bug reports / feature requests that I would love to see in certain apps, but if the bug fixes or feature requests don't happen I don't want to spend the $.

And that was only an example. I'm also talking about non-demo apps and other misc stuff I want to get rid of.

Speaking of which... just purchased an upgrade for Spring Cleaning for $20! Sweet!
THANK YOU ALADDIN!!! heh
Waiting for the download to finish.

Sogni said:

The best I've been able to find is Aladdin's Clean Sweep... altho it's an old version (like 3 versions old now?) that came with Norton System Works (old version too)... thinking of buying the new version of Clean Sweep ($50 I think).
http://www.aladdinsys.com/mac/springcleaning/
HTH

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Let us know what you think of the new version. I've never used Clean Sweep, but I've been thinking of getting it if it's good. I'd be interested to hear your experience.

tariq said:

Uh, he was merely pointing out that there is no need for left-over file seeking programs because unlike Windows, moving the folder to the trash removes 99.9% of the related files (as you probably know).

How is that not relevant to the original post?

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It's irrelevant because we all know that when you drag a program or folder to the trash, there are still files lurking around in the system like plists and whatnot, that get left behind. Hence the point of this entire thread.

Doing a "secure empty trash" has absolutely nothing to do with finding orphan files.

Once again, whiteshark baffles the mind.

I like Sogni, would like to get rid of the so called hidden files. I don't want to wipe my disk clean just to get rid of them. I look in the usual places; both preferences directories, both Libraries directories,