Email article
Recently Peter, our friend from Denmark, wrote an article on his favorite uninstallers. In his article he mentioned how he likes to use Ashampoo Magical Uninstall. Well Peter, this article is for you (and anyone else that uses Ashampoo Magical Uninstall or a similar program). Ashampoo Magical Uninstall is actually a 2+ year old program. Ashampoo has replaced Ashampoo Magical Uninstall with their Ashampoo UnInstaller line; in other words Ashampoo UnInstaller is the commercial, continually being updated version of Ashampoo Magical Uninstall and it has more features. Of course, Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 is not the latest version (as is the case with with/all Ashampoo freebies); Ashampoo UnInstaller 4 is actually the latest version. However Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 is still a great software worth taking a look at… even if you don’t use Ashampoo Magical Uninstall. These are all the features of Ashampoo UnInstaller 3:
- Monitor program installation automatically and manually
- Uninstall programs completely, without a trace
- Uninstall programs not monitored by Ashampoo UnInstaller
- Reinstaller – reinstall programs you have uninstalled
- Drag & Drop uninstaller.
- Find/Delete Duplicate Files.
- Find/Delete Temporary Files.
- Find/Delete Empty Folders.
- Start Menu Cleaner.
- Manage Windows Services.
- Manage Internet Explorer Add-Ons.
- File Backup
- Manage Restore Points
- Hard Drive Defragmenter
- Registry Cleaner
- Check Installed Program Entries
- Powerful Internet Cleaner with Firefox support
- Manage Fonts tool
- Full Vista compatibility
As you can tell, Ashampoo UnInstaller does more than just help you cleanly uninstall programs. As part of their 10 year anniversary, Ashampoo is giving Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 away for free! So, if you are still interested, the below directions will tell you how you can get Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 for free. Because getting UnInstaller 3 is a bit more tricky than the usual Ashampoo freebie (it took me a while myself to figure out how to do this), I have split up the directions below into two parts: part 1 is for people who already have accounts with Ashampoo (i.e. the people who have gotten an Ashampoo freebie in the past) and part 2 is for people who do not have an account with Ashampoo (i.e. the people who have never gotten an Ashampoo freebie in the past). Please follow the directions carefully:
Version being given for free: v3.1.2.0
Supported OS: Windows XP or Windows Vista. Full administrative rights are required to use the program. It also seems to work fine on Windows 7.
Part 1 – People with existing Ashampoo accounts
- Go to the inbox of the e-mail you have registered with Ashampoo. Look for an e-mail from Ashampoo you have gotten in the past for an Ashampoo freebie (simply searching for “Ashampoo” in your inbox will probably do the trick). In the e-mail, there should be a link that is says something like http://www.ashampoo.com/dlpr.php?c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX:
If you cannot find an e-mail from Ashampoo, login to MyAshampoo, go to “My free reg. keys”, select one key (check the check box), and hit “Resend e-mails”. You should then have an e-mail which contains a link that I just mentioned.
If you don’t remember your Ashampoo account password or you are unable to resend yourself an e-mail, skip to part 2 because you will then need to create a new Ashampoo account.
- From the link in the e-mail, copy the whole portion that starts after the question mark. In other words, you copy the c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX. Open Notepad and paste it in there (do not close Notepad):
- Copy http://www.ashampoo.com/dre.php?lk=[login_key]&c=[id_email]&e=6128 and paste it into Notepad:
- Copy the c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX you pasted into Notepad, highlight the lk=[login_key]&c=[id_email] portion of http://www.ashampoo.com/dre.php?lk=[login_key]&c=[id_email]&e=6128, and paste in the c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX. In other words, you should have something like this:
- Copy the whole http://www.ashampoo.com/dre.php?c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX&e=6128 from your notepad and visit it by pasting it in your web browser. You should automatically be logged into your MyAshampoo account and have your Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 free registration key displayed to you:
- Copy the key.
- Download Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 (click here).
- Install Ashampoo UnInstaller 3. During installation be sure to uncheck the option to get a trial key because you don’t need it:
- After installation has finished, Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 should automatically run. If it does not, run it manually.
- Go to “Internet” -> “Enter Reg/Trial Key”. Click on the “Enter Key” button, paste in your key, click “OK”, click “OK” again and you are done:
- Enjoy!
Part 2 – Users without existing Ashampoo accounts
- Download Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 (click here).
- Install Ashampoo UnInstaller 3. During installation be sure to leave the option to get a trial key checked (don’t worry… you will get a full version key if you follow my directions – getting the trial key first is just part of the process):
- After installation has finished, the trial key registration page should open in your web browser. Fill out the form:
Ashampoo sends newsletters out on a regular basis (some may call it spam). To avoid this, either you can use one of your spam e-mails, a temporary e-mail account, or login to your Ashampoo account (after you signup) and manually unsubscribe from these newsletters (login via MyAshampoo, go to “Subscribe service letters” and uncheck the ones you don’t want). Since Ashampoo runs many promotions, I suggest you use a permanent e-mail address and just unsubscribe from the newsletters. This way you will be able to reuse your e-mail address for every Ashampoo product and you can login to MyAshampoo to grab all the keys you have registered for in the past incase you ever lose them.
- After you have filled out the form, check the inbox of the e-mail you registered with. There should be an e-mail from “Ashampoo <MrReg@ashampoo.com>” with the subject of “Registration (Step 1) … follow the link in this email to go on.” Click on the e-mail; inside the e-mail there will be a link for you to follow to confirm your account with Ashampoo:
Click on the link or copy/paste it into your web browser.
- You will be asked to fill out a short form:
Fill it out and hit “OK, Send”.
- Go back to the inbox of the e-mail you registered with Ashampoo. There should be an e-mail from “Ashampoo <MrReg@ashampoo.com>” with the subject of “Your registration – Ashampoo® UnInstaller 3 (English)”. Open the e-mail. In the e-mail there will be a trial registration code and a URL that looks something like http://www.ashampoo.com/dlpr.php?c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX:
Ignore the trial registration key – you don’t need it. Rather, from the link in the e-mail, copy the whole portion that starts after the question mark. In other words, you copy the c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX.
- Open Notepad and paste it in there (do not close Notepad):
- Copy http://www.ashampoo.com/dre.php?lk=[login_key]&c=[id_email]&e=6128 and paste it into Notepad:
- Copy the c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX you pasted into Notepad, highlight the lk=[login_key]&c=[id_email] portion of http://www.ashampoo.com/dre.php?lk=[login_key]&c=[id_email]&e=6128, and paste in the c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX. In other words, you should have something like this:
- Copy the whole http://www.ashampoo.com/dre.php?c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX&e=6128 from your notepad and visit it by pasting it in your web browser. You should automatically be logged into your MyAshampoo account and have your Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 free registration key displayed to you. However take note there will be two Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 keys displayed. One will be for “Ashampoo® UnInstaller 3 (English)” while the other will be for “Ashampoo® UnInstaller 3 (F_ash) (English)”. You want the “Ashampoo® UnInstaller 3 (F_ash) (English)” one not the “Ashampoo® UnInstaller 3 (English)” one:
Copy the key.
- Go back to the Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 program window if it is still open. If it Ashampoo UnInstaller 3 is not running, run it.
- Go to “Internet” -> “Enter Reg/Trial Key”. Click on the “Enter Key” button, paste in your key, click “OK”, click “OK” again and you are done:
- Enjoy!
Last but not least, as part of their anniversary present which includes Ashampoo UnInstaller 3, Ashampoo is also giving away Ashampoo Burning Studio 2009, Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2009 Advanced, Ashampoo PhotoCommander 6, and Ashampoo Slideshow Studio 2010. However, I have already written about how to attain all four of those software for free on dotTech before so if you want them, I suggest you read my other articles on them instead of going through this complex process again: Ashampoo Burning Studio 2010 (v2010 is newer than v2009 Advanced) Ashampoo WinOptimizer 5 (v5 is newer than v2009 Advanced), Ashampoo PhotoCommander 6, and Ashampoo Slideshow Studio 2010.
Thanks Roy and Ozzie!
OMG I need to be a rocket scientest to get this. They have made it too tricky for me. Alas Alak.
I own this software since v2 and I really don’t know what I would do without it.
The function of this software doesn’t stop at the simple uninstallation of softwares.
I would say that its most important function is to record the changes to the OS for every manipulation you do on it, including the installation of softwares.
This piece of software is a must for each real GOTDer : the wisest ones will understand what I mean… ;-)
Ashraf,
After I pasted & went to “http://www.ashampoo.com/dre.php?c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX&e=6128″ in the browser, it went to Ashampoo homepage! Then I login to myAshampoo account & went to Free Reg. Keys, only to see the trial registration key. What’s wrong? Please help.
This is too much for me. When I want an uninstaller, it should be just that – an Uninstaller. No doubt many users will be happy with the extra baggage it brings along, but if every publisher starts doing this, we’ll have dozens of duplicated utilities like defraggers, etc., when all you want is for the thing to do a specific job. System suites are for people who want system suites and this one does not qualify for that either.
@davidroper:
So easy, a theoretical physicist can do it. ;)
Awesome !! Ashraf, Try out for NASA, They might need a Rocket Scientist there. Amazing Dude :)
AOA Ashraf,
This is just fantastic. Its not only an uninstaller, but also got other cleaning tools, like registry cleaner etc
Thanks for sharing
LOL..This requires a rocket scientist to grab the license key from moon.
We can use Revo Uninstaller instead which is freeware!
A bit tedious, but it’s worth it.
Thank you very very much !
You have stated that it ‘Uninstall programs completely, without a trace.’ Does it mean with this program the trialwares can be installed & uninstalled repeatedly, thereby extending the life span.
Oh another good one! Ill direct folks on my blogs here.Thank you
I’m no rocket scientist but it worked for me and if you just carefully follow Ashraf’s instructions I’m sure it will work for you too. Many thanks for the tip Ashraf I find the Ashampoo products very good and sure this will be too.
You can download the exe-file with more languages here :
http://hdlroot01.ashampoo.com/public/ash/0903/ashampoo_uninstaller_3_3.12_6127.exe
It works with the key obtained through the method of Ashraf.
Hi Ashraf!!
Great Freebie…no way!!
However I’ve just discovered this free tool as well:
http://www.fcleaner.com/
Had you ever heard about it before??
I’ve just tried it and I have to admit that at first glance it looks even better than CCLEANER itself…very impressive indeed!!
Can you believe it??
The proof of the pudding is in the eating…LOL!
Cheers from Italy!!
Registration, following Ashraf’s directions, worked like a charm. Thanks, Ashraf, yet again!
All I’m interested in is an uninstaller.
I’m currently using Revo (which I like) so would be interested in a comparison between the two.
LOL @ all the rocket science and similar comments.
@Everyone: You are welcome.
@Josh: I tend to agree with you. In my uninstaller I want the ability to uninstall software and features related to that. I don’t need a defrag. However some people may find it useful.
@Farrukh: Wasalam. Glad you find the extra features useful.
@nganchaihou: No, no. You need to grab the URL from your notepad. http://www.ashampoo.com/dre.php?c=#######&lk=XXXXXXXX&e=6128 won’t lead you anywhere… the # and the X should be replaced by real numbers and letters.
@Jeanjean: Thanks Jean. I keep forgetting to look out for my non-English speaking readers.
@Giovanni: Ya I ran into it a while back. Not sure how much better it is than CCleaner. I will look into it with more detail.
@Mags: Hmm I believe the differences between Revo and Ashampoo which Peter mentioned in his post at http://dottech.org/tipsntricks/11374 might help since Ashampoo Magical Uninstall and Ashampoo UnInstaller work in similar ways at the core.
I bought Ashampoo Uninstaller 3 and have been using it for awhile.. Mostly it works. An exception was when I used it to capture the installation of Online Armor Firewall. I tried uninstalling Online Armor with Ashampoo Uninstaller but it left behind some remnants ie. oanet files if memory serves correct.. Perhaps these files were locked.. Had to restore system from an Image Backup…
I am still unsure whether uninstallers like Ashampoo restores a system to a safe/unbroken state.. For example if you monitor-install Software A, then Software B, then Software C with Ashampoo, then use Ashampoo to uninstall Software B, would your system revert to a point that was just after Software A and before Software B? What if Software C relied on some files that were part of Software B, which has now been erased or changed by the uninstallation? Would Software C be broken? I read a very old article which advocates uninstalling Software C first, then Software B, then reinstalling Software C…
What do you think Ashraf?
I am not a newbie user, in fact I am a network administrator, but it seems this offer may be over as when I try it I do not get the free key. Can anyone confirm this for me? Thanks.
To kimotheraphy who was trying to use this to monitor Online Armor, I would use OA’s uninstaller in this instance as it does install some low level drivers that need to be uninstalled properly and I can state the OA uninstaller does do this properly, but I have never seen a third party uninstaller do this properly except for image backups of before and after. FYI, I beta test OA and have been using it for a couple of years. BTW, you will need to restart after uninstalling this software for the drivers to properly go away.
It is still working, I just did not pay close enough attention to the link. It need to be dre.php, not the dpr.php that was the link from the email. Thanks Asraf.
I come back on the operation of this program to maybe get some clarification from you.
A scan done on my PC(before installing a program) by Ashampoo Uninstaller is 2 minutes longer than the same made by Total Uninstall wich works almost similarly.
This arises largely because Ashampoo scans all drives on the PC.
Does anybody know if there is a way to change this somewhere (I have not found of course!), because usually changes made by a program only concerns c:?
The Uninstaller datasheet
http://www.ashampoo.com/frontend_images/1/products/0903/uk/uninstaller_3_uk_USD.pdf
states the OS requires:
“Windows® XP, Windows Vista™ (32 Bit)”
Has anyone tried it on 64-bit systems?
Maybe I should use PC Decrapifier instead?
Thank you so much, Ashraf. You do the best, as always ;-)
Two questions:
a – Is this Uninstaller better than TotalUninstall
b – Does it run on Windows 7 ?