utility to remove old programs and related files?

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looking for a safe program to remove old programs and files from programs I've already removed. is their such a program on the mac that is also safe to use and can be trusted?

Id like it to identify old preferences files that would be safe to delete, that would be a plus.... and to make sure I've completely removed flash, Java, and silverlight. thanks. :)

Im sure I've removed lots of programs over the years without removing the related files or preference files...
 

Raz0rEdge

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Unfortunately, if you have previously deleted the apps, the files associated with them will have to be deleted by hunting and finding them.
 
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For deleting Apps, I've always found AppZapper to be quite useful. Deletes the app and all of its associated files, offers the option to keep the associated files if desired and so on. Not free, but not particularly expensive either.
 

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Unfortunately, if you have previously deleted the apps, the files associated with them will have to be deleted by hunting and finding them.

Yes, AppCleaner wouldn't work if the application is already removed.
On their website it says:
Simply drop an application onto the AppCleaner window. It will find for the related files and you can delete them by clicking the delete button.
 
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Is there such a thing as searching for "orphaned" files? Seems like that's terminology that I've run across before.
 

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Is there such a thing as searching for "orphaned" files? Seems like that's terminology that I've run across before.

Sure, it's called EtreCheck. :) The use of programs such as EasyFind and Find Any File are available to do complex searches even in hidden folders. I use EasyFind to ferret out unwanted left over files which can be deleted from within the program.
 
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utility to remove old programs and related files?


CleanMyMac should be able to do what you want to do.

I occasionally used to use CleanMyMac 3 occasionally and it still seems to be working with Mavericks 10.9 that I tend to use, but it seems to have gone more commercial (Expensive) and it is now CleanMyMac X.

If nothing else, I sometimes used it as a guide, but then the used Find Any File.app to locate and delete the surplus bits and pieces.

You could read more from the user reports here:
CleanMyMac X for Mac - Free Download Version 4.5.4.4 | MacUpdate

The developer may have Previous versions at their site, If you needed it, as well as their current version:
CleanMyMac X: The Best Mac Cleanup App for macOS. Get a Cleaner Mac in Minutes.

Anyway, it gives you lots of choices and doesn't seem to hold you to any sort of ransom.


- Patrick
======
 
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macgig
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Unfortunately, if you have previously deleted the apps, the files associated with them will have to be deleted by hunting and finding them.


I have appcleaner, but Ive already removed the apps. I had Cleanmymac a long time ago until they wanted me to pay for an upgrade and I ditched it. looks like I have to manually do it, or ignore it and do nothing. thanks for the replies.
 
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Well, you could do a clean install of the OS. This would get rid of all the "orphaned" files. Then install AppCleaner, AppCleaner, then it will help in the future.

- - - Updated - - -

I have appcleaner, but Ive already removed the apps. I had Cleanmymac a long time ago until they wanted me to pay for an upgrade and I ditched it. looks like I have to manually do it, or ignore it and do nothing. thanks for the replies.
You have to setup AppCleaner and enable "SmartDelete" in Preferences.
 
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Sure, it's called EtreCheck. :) The use of programs such as EasyFind and Find Any File are available to do complex searches even in hidden folders. I use EasyFind to ferret out unwanted left over files which can be deleted from within the program.

EntreCheck - Understanding the Report & How to Upgrade (free or paid)?

Need some help from EntreCheck users/experts - I have most of the apps mentioned in this thread but have not really used many except for AppCleaner - SO, I decided to run EntreCheck on my 2015 MBAir - one major issue was 'found', i.e. Poor Performance which took me to the circled item in the first pic - ran Activity Monitor (2nd pic) but was not too impress although there were 3 entries for 1Password (assume the Safari listing is for its extension). No malware apps are running. Comments appreciated - the laptop seems to work fine.

Second question - my EntreCheck version is 5.4.6 - there is a 6.x version available (3rd pic), BUT so many options are described, e.g. a Pro option, using the App store vs. their website, and paid Power Use package that adds a LOT of extra features - any advice on what to use?

Finally as to the limitation of AppCleaner once the app's icon is trashed - believe that I once reinstalled an app and re-ran AppCleaner and deleted the extra files; of course, not sure if a duplicate set was put on the drive? Is this a reasonable 'get-around' or not a good idea - just wondering? Thanks. Dave
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Entre1.png
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Entre2.png
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Entre3.png
 

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