Cleaning my computer

[TimothyVincent]

I'm trying to clean my computer of old files connected to my old Mcafee security software. When I search for Mcafee related files on my C drive, over 200 come up. When I try to delete them, the computer can't find them. What gives - either they're there on the computer or they're not? Why does the computer list them all and then tell me "oops the files don't exist" when I go to delete? I feel like I'm being played by the software gods who would prefer to thwart my attempts to manage my computer and protect my privacy.

[itsmyname]

@TimothyVincent -- Windows has "ordinary" files, and "system" files, and "hidden" files.

If you do a search by partial filename, e.g., "*fee*", you may get a list of those "hidden" files.

If you try to delete a "hidden" file, you will get the "file not found" message.

However, trying to delete an app should NOT be done by deleting individual files/folders?

Instead, open "Settings", and then open "Apps", and then select "McAfee", and click on "uninstall".

[Prométhée]

Hello
you should not insist at the risk of doing something stupid
Sometimes there are traces, a file, an empty folder, but when you want to delete it, it can be considered as already deleted.
Or inaccessible!
There is software that sometimes allows you to erase certain traces, but it can be complicated sometimes.
And you risk deleting a file, which is not exactly an old software file, but one which has been used, and which can still be used for other purposes.
Frankly in doubt, don't touch anything!

[TimothyVincent]

I'm not talking about deleting te App. I deleted the App months ago exactly as you suggest. This is the garbage (spyware?) left on my computer AFTER having deleted  the App. And why is it that computers are built to even allow third parties to "hide" files on your computer? That's the core of the problem.

[TimothyVincent]

So just let third parties hide their files on my computer? These are not a few files - there were over 200 of them.Essentially you're saying is I'm too stupid to manage my computer ( admittedly, which is why I'm asking the question) ,and your suggested solution is to let third parties leave whatever they want on my computer?!? (and HP's response is to remain mum so they can continue to allow this threat to security and privacy in the products they sell).

This isn't a solution - it's just a poor excuse 

[Prométhée]

Sorry, I think you misunderstood my answer!
personally I did not say that you are stupid
This is not mainly HP's fault, I have encountered the same problem with other brands.
It is the windows system, and the software uninstallation system that is lacking
Take a look in the windows registry, after multitude of installation / uninstallation there are many keys not deleted
it's up to you, you can use specialized software and remove everything, or almost everything
I'm just giving an example, there are several more or less effective, sometimes too many !!

https://emcosoftware.com/unlock-it

[itsmyname]

@TimothyVincent -- This isn't a solution 

The only "solution" is to backup all your Personal Files to external storage, then "wipe" your disk-drive, reinstall Windows from trusted media, update your anti-virus, and reload your Personal Files.

Definitely, this will eliminate all those "rogue" files.

[TimothyVincent]

No, I didn't think you were calling me stupid and I took no offense. Just expressing my frustration that understanding computers well enough to protect yourself from their potential for harm is, admittedly, beyong my ken and that of the overwhelming majority of users. When one application leaves 200 files on your computer like this you can't help but suspect something nefarious and yet you're helpless  There's a definite sense that the businesses that provide both software and hardware - both the good and the bad among them -  prefer it that way cause it allows them to collect the data they covet. Thus, as you say, I am left unable to clean my computer of things that don't belong there due to the risk of screwing up something important.

Thanks for being responsive though you offer me no solace and no solution that works for me. Just the bad news that there isn't one.