How to Completely Remove Reimage Repair from Your Computer
Reimage Repair, while sometimes advertised as a helpful tool for optimizing and repairing Windows systems, can often be perceived as intrusive software. Many users find it installed on their computers without their explicit consent, often bundled with other software. The program frequently runs scans and displays alerts about system errors, encouraging users to purchase a full license to fix these issues. This behavior can be frustrating, especially if you didn’t intend to install Reimage Repair in the first place.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to completely remove Reimage Repair from your computer, ensuring that all its components and associated files are eliminated. We will cover several methods, including the standard uninstall procedure, manual removal techniques, and the use of specialized uninstaller tools. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a clean and complete removal.
## Why Remove Reimage Repair?
Before diving into the removal process, it’s essential to understand why you might want to remove Reimage Repair:
* **Unwanted Installation:** Many users report that Reimage Repair was installed without their direct consent, often as part of a software bundle. This can be a sign of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
* **Aggressive Advertising:** Reimage Repair frequently displays alerts and scan results highlighting system errors, prompting users to purchase the full version. These alerts can be disruptive and annoying.
* **Questionable Effectiveness:** Some users question the accuracy and value of the scan results and the effectiveness of Reimage Repair in actually fixing the identified problems.
* **System Performance:** The program’s constant scanning and background processes can potentially impact system performance, slowing down your computer.
* **Potential for Bundling:** Reimage Repair might be bundled with other potentially unwanted programs or even malware, posing a security risk.
## Step 1: Close Reimage Repair
Before attempting to uninstall Reimage Repair, ensure that the program is completely closed. Even if you don’t see it running in the taskbar, it might be running in the background. Here’s how to shut it down:
1. **Check the System Tray:** Look for the Reimage Repair icon in the system tray (usually located in the lower-right corner of your screen). Right-click on the icon and select “Exit” or “Close” if the option is available.
2. **Task Manager:** If you don’t see the icon or if the program is still running, open the Task Manager by pressing `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` keys simultaneously.
3. **Locate Reimage Repair Processes:** In the Task Manager, go to the “Processes” tab (or “Details” tab on Windows 10 and later).
4. **End Processes:** Look for any processes related to Reimage Repair, such as `ReimageRepair.exe` or similar. Select each process and click the “End Task” button.
5. **Confirmation:** Make sure all Reimage Repair processes are terminated before proceeding to the next step. This prevents interference during the uninstallation process.
## Step 2: Uninstall Reimage Repair Through Control Panel/Settings
The standard method to uninstall any program in Windows is through the Control Panel (for older versions of Windows) or the Settings app (for Windows 10 and later). Here’s how to do it:
**For Windows 10 and 11:**
1. **Open Settings:** Click on the Start button (Windows logo) and then click on the gear icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can press `Windows key + I` to open Settings directly.
2. **Go to Apps:** In the Settings app, click on “Apps.” This will take you to the “Apps & features” section, where you can see a list of installed programs.
3. **Find Reimage Repair:** Scroll through the list of installed apps or use the search bar to find “Reimage Repair.”
4. **Uninstall:** Click on “Reimage Repair” to select it. An “Uninstall” button should appear. Click on the “Uninstall” button. A confirmation prompt might appear; click “Uninstall” again to confirm.
5. **Follow the Uninstallation Wizard:** The Reimage Repair uninstaller wizard will launch. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process. You might be asked to provide a reason for uninstalling; you can optionally provide feedback or simply skip this step.
**For Windows 7 and 8:**
1. **Open Control Panel:** Click on the Start button and then click on “Control Panel.”
2. **Go to Programs and Features:** In the Control Panel, under the “Programs” section, click on “Uninstall a program.”
3. **Find Reimage Repair:** Scroll through the list of installed programs to find “Reimage Repair.”
4. **Uninstall:** Select “Reimage Repair” and click on the “Uninstall” button at the top of the list. A confirmation prompt might appear; click “Yes” to confirm.
5. **Follow the Uninstallation Wizard:** The Reimage Repair uninstaller wizard will launch. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Administrator Privileges:** You might need administrator privileges to uninstall programs. If prompted, enter your administrator password or click “Yes” to grant permission.
* **Reboot:** After the uninstallation is complete, you might be prompted to restart your computer. It is recommended to restart your computer to ensure that all program files are completely removed.
## Step 3: Remove Remaining Files and Folders (Manual Removal)
Even after uninstalling Reimage Repair through the Control Panel or Settings, some files and folders might remain on your system. These remnants can sometimes cause issues or conflicts. Therefore, it’s essential to manually remove any remaining files and folders associated with Reimage Repair.
**Important Warning:** Be cautious when deleting files and folders. Deleting important system files can cause instability or even prevent your computer from booting. Only delete files and folders that you are certain are associated with Reimage Repair.
**Steps for Manual Removal:**
1. **Show Hidden Files and Folders:** By default, Windows hides some system files and folders. To see these hidden files, you need to change the folder options.
* **Windows 10 and 11:**
* Open File Explorer.
* Click on the “View” tab.
* Check the box next to “Hidden items” in the “Show/hide” section.
* **Windows 7 and 8:**
* Open Windows Explorer.
* Click on “Organize” in the toolbar.
* Select “Folder and search options.”
* Go to the “View” tab.
* Under “Hidden files and folders,” select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.”
* Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
2. **Search for Reimage Repair Folders:** After showing hidden files and folders, search for any folders related to Reimage Repair in the following locations:
* `C:\Program Files`
* `C:\Program Files (x86)` (for 64-bit systems)
* `C:\ProgramData`
* `C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local`
* `C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming`
Replace “YourUsername” with your actual user account name. Look for folders named “Reimage Repair,” “Reimage,” or similar.
3. **Delete Remaining Folders:** If you find any folders related to Reimage Repair in these locations, carefully delete them. Right-click on the folder and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion if prompted.
4. **Search for Reimage Repair Files:** In addition to folders, search for any individual files related to Reimage Repair in the same locations. Look for files with names like `ReimageRepair.exe`, `Reimage.dll`, or similar. You can use the File Explorer search bar to search for these files.
5. **Delete Remaining Files:** If you find any files related to Reimage Repair, carefully delete them. Right-click on the file and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion if prompted.
6. **Empty the Recycle Bin:** After deleting the files and folders, empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove them from your system. Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select “Empty Recycle Bin.” Confirm the action if prompted.
## Step 4: Remove Reimage Repair Registry Entries (Advanced)
Reimage Repair often creates registry entries that can remain even after uninstalling the program. These registry entries can sometimes cause issues or conflicts. Removing these entries can help ensure a completely clean removal.
**Important Warning:** Editing the Windows Registry can be risky. Incorrectly modifying registry entries can cause system instability or even prevent your computer from booting. Before proceeding, create a backup of your registry so that you can restore it if something goes wrong.
**How to Back Up the Windows Registry:**
1. **Open Registry Editor:** Press `Windows key + R` to open the Run dialog box. Type `regedit` and press Enter. Click “Yes” if prompted to allow Registry Editor to make changes to your device.
2. **Export Registry:** In the Registry Editor, click on “File” in the menu bar and select “Export.”
3. **Choose a Location and Name:** In the “Export Registry File” dialog box, choose a location to save the backup file (e.g., your desktop). Give the file a descriptive name, such as “RegistryBackup” or “ReimageBackup.”
4. **Save:** Make sure the “Export range” is set to “All.” Click “Save” to create the backup file.
**How to Remove Reimage Repair Registry Entries:**
1. **Open Registry Editor:** Press `Windows key + R` to open the Run dialog box. Type `regedit` and press Enter. Click “Yes” if prompted to allow Registry Editor to make changes to your device.
2. **Search for Reimage Repair Entries:** In the Registry Editor, press `Ctrl + F` to open the Find dialog box.
3. **Search Terms:** Search for the following terms, one at a time. After each search, delete any registry keys or values that are found and clearly related to Reimage Repair.
* `Reimage Repair`
* `Reimage`
* `ReimagePlus`
* `ReiBoot` (sometimes associated due to bundling)
4. **Delete Entries:** When a registry key or value related to Reimage Repair is found, right-click on it and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion if prompted.
5. **Repeat Search:** Press `F3` to repeat the search and find the next occurrence of the search term. Continue searching and deleting entries until no more results are found.
6. **Be Cautious:** Only delete registry entries that you are absolutely certain are related to Reimage Repair. If you are unsure, it’s best to leave the entry alone.
7. **Close Registry Editor:** After deleting the registry entries, close the Registry Editor.
8. **Restart Your Computer:** Restart your computer to apply the changes to the registry.
## Step 5: Use a Specialized Uninstaller Tool (Optional)
If you are having trouble removing Reimage Repair using the standard methods, you can use a specialized uninstaller tool to help you remove the program and its associated files and registry entries. These tools are designed to thoroughly remove software and can often find and remove files that are missed by the standard uninstaller.
**Popular Uninstaller Tools:**
* **Revo Uninstaller:** Revo Uninstaller is a popular and powerful uninstaller tool that can remove programs and their associated files, folders, and registry entries. It offers a variety of features, including a hunter mode that allows you to uninstall programs by simply dragging a target icon onto the program’s window.
* **IObit Uninstaller:** IObit Uninstaller is another popular uninstaller tool that can remove programs and their associated files and registry entries. It also includes features for removing browser toolbars and plugins, as well as cleaning up leftover files.
* **GeekUninstaller:** GeekUninstaller is a lightweight and portable uninstaller tool that can remove programs and their associated files and registry entries. It offers a simple and easy-to-use interface and can quickly remove programs with just a few clicks.
**How to Use an Uninstaller Tool:**
1. **Download and Install:** Download and install the uninstaller tool of your choice from the official website.
2. **Run the Uninstaller Tool:** Launch the uninstaller tool.
3. **Find Reimage Repair:** The uninstaller tool will display a list of installed programs. Find “Reimage Repair” in the list.
4. **Uninstall:** Select “Reimage Repair” and click the “Uninstall” button. The uninstaller tool will typically run the program’s standard uninstaller first.
5. **Scan for Remaining Files and Registry Entries:** After the standard uninstaller is complete, the uninstaller tool will scan your system for any remaining files, folders, and registry entries associated with Reimage Repair.
6. **Delete Remaining Items:** The uninstaller tool will display a list of the remaining items. Review the list carefully and select the items you want to delete. Click the “Delete” or “Remove” button to remove the items.
7. **Restart Your Computer:** Restart your computer to complete the uninstallation process.
## Step 6: Scan for Malware (Recommended)
Since Reimage Repair is often bundled with other software, it’s a good idea to scan your computer for malware after removing it. This will help ensure that your system is clean and secure.
**Recommended Antivirus Programs:**
* **Windows Defender:** Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that comes with Windows 10 and 11. It provides basic protection against malware and is often sufficient for most users.
* **Malwarebytes:** Malwarebytes is a popular and effective anti-malware program that can detect and remove a wide range of threats, including malware, spyware, and adware. It offers a free version for on-demand scanning and a premium version for real-time protection.
* **Bitdefender:** Bitdefender is a comprehensive antivirus program that provides excellent protection against malware and other threats. It offers a wide range of features, including real-time protection, web filtering, and a firewall.
* **Norton:** Norton is another popular antivirus program that provides comprehensive protection against malware and other threats. It offers a wide range of features, including real-time protection, web filtering, and a firewall.
**How to Scan for Malware:**
1. **Install an Antivirus Program:** If you don’t already have an antivirus program installed, download and install one from the official website.
2. **Update the Antivirus Program:** Before running a scan, make sure that your antivirus program is up to date. This will ensure that it has the latest definitions for detecting and removing malware.
3. **Run a Full System Scan:** Run a full system scan to thoroughly check your computer for malware. This can take several hours, depending on the size of your hard drive and the speed of your computer.
4. **Remove Any Threats:** If the antivirus program detects any threats, follow the on-screen instructions to remove them.
5. **Restart Your Computer:** Restart your computer to complete the malware removal process.
## Step 7: Reset Your Web Browsers (Optional)
Reimage Repair can sometimes modify your web browser settings, such as your homepage and search engine. If you notice any changes to your browser settings after removing Reimage Repair, you can reset your browser to its default settings.
**How to Reset Your Web Browsers:**
* **Google Chrome:**
1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the window.
3. Select “Settings.”
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Advanced.”
5. Under “Reset and clean up,” click on “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
6. Click on “Reset settings” to confirm.
* **Mozilla Firefox:**
1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner of the window.
3. Select “Help.”
4. Select “Troubleshooting Information.”
5. Click on “Refresh Firefox” in the upper-right corner of the page.
6. Click on “Refresh Firefox” to confirm.
* **Microsoft Edge:**
1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the window.
3. Select “Settings.”
4. Click on “Reset settings” in the left sidebar.
5. Click on “Restore settings to their default values.”
6. Click on “Reset” to confirm.
## Conclusion
Removing Reimage Repair completely from your computer requires a multi-step approach that includes uninstalling the program, removing remaining files and folders, deleting registry entries, and scanning for malware. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that Reimage Repair and its associated components are completely removed from your system, helping to improve system performance and security.
Remember to exercise caution when deleting files and folders and modifying the Windows Registry. If you are unsure about any step, it’s best to seek help from a qualified technician. By taking these precautions, you can safely and effectively remove Reimage Repair from your computer and enjoy a cleaner, more stable system.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to safely and effectively remove Reimage Repair. Always prioritize caution and backup important data before making significant system changes.