Tweak UI helps clean up overcrowded hard drives

Question: I am something of a “software addict”. I download any application that catches my eye, and throw things out almost as impulsively. In some cases, this is not a good thing. Although I should, I don’t always use the “Add/Remove Programs” Control Panel under Windows 98. Instead, I just delete the folder. Unfortunately, this leaves the program’s name still in the Add/Remove dialog box. Is there any way to remove these listings?

Answer: Use the Tweak UI applet available on your Windows 98 CD ROM in the ToolsReskitPowertoy directory. More info on how to install it is at the Microsoft Knowledge Base .

Windows 95 users can download it from the Power and Kernel Tools section on the following Microsoft support Web page: http://www.microsoft.com/windows95/downloads/. It’s available in the file Windows 95 Kernel Toys Set.

One warning is in order: The deletion technique you described, even with Tweak UI, is not a solution. Windows puts data related to an installed program in its registry. The registry is a digital filing cabinet that helps the operating system keep track of software. Some programs also install DLL files, shortcuts, and other data crumbs in other Windows directories which will get left behind. That data pollution will slow down your system and fill up your hard drive. (I should talk, though — you should see my hard drive.)

If you can’t kick your untidy habit, programs like Symantec’s Norton Utilities and Mijenix’s Fix-It Utilities 99 will help.