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Deleted Files Reappear in XP Pro.

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5 replies

by rpeeples 1 view

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I am trying to delete files pertaining to games like Solitaire, Freecell, Minesweeper, etc. I can delete the exe files but they reappear within minutes even after emptying the recycle bin. I have tried uninstalling them using add/remove programs but there is no choice to uninstall them. My big question is why are they reappearing and how to stop it. Thanks.

5 replies

by caestelle

Goto add remove programs and click on the Add\Remove Windows Components on the left. Once that comes up double click on "Accessories and Utilities" and new window will pop up and then if you want to remove all Windows games uncheck the box next games and click on OK and then click next. If you want to only uninstall some games, double click on the word games and uncheck the ones you want to uninstall...then click OK twice and then next. Even after this the executables may still remain, but if you delete as you did before, they should not return. That should do the trick!!

by rpeeples

There is no option to remove games. I have even went through the registry to see why I don't have that option and why the files keep reapearing.....

by gary.cole

Remove all unnecessary programs under "Add or Remove Programs"

Unhide all programs from the Add/Remove programs menus

Edit "C:\WINDOWS\inf\sysoc.inf"
Remove all instances of "hide". Example, to unhide "Windows Messenger", this line: "msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7" should become: "msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,,7"
"Start"
"Settings"
"Control Panel"
"Add or Remove Programs"
"Add/Remove Windows Components"
Disable "MSN Explorer"
Disable "Windows Messenger" (you may have to manual uninstall this later on, as it keeps getting enabled/re-installed)
"Accessories and Utilities"
"Details"
Disable "Games" (It is psychologically beneficial to remove all non-work related software off your machine. It helps achieve maximum productivity.)
Remove empty "Games" folder
"Start"
"Programs"
Delete "Games" (It should be empty now.)

by dafe2

FOr some screwy reason....MS decided to hide the ability to 'remove' the games. Go figure.

by deepsand

This is a tech. problem, in search of a solution.

It properly belongs in "Technical Q&A," not in "Discussions." Please re-post there.

Not only will you be more likely to attract the attention of those seeking to provide answers, but you will also make it easier for those seeking discussions to find such.

Thank you.

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