Windows 10: Ghost user preventing uninstall of programs

Discus and support Ghost user preventing uninstall of programs in User Accounts and Family Safety to solve the problem; Recently bought this computer second-hand, happy with it otherwise but there's something peculiar going on with the user accounts. - When... Discussion in 'User Accounts and Family Safety' started by ek111, Oct 23, 2019.

  1. EK111
    ek111 Win User

    Ghost user preventing uninstall of programs


    Recently bought this computer second-hand, happy with it otherwise but there's something peculiar going on with the user accounts.

    - When uninstalling programs I get a warning that "there are other users logged in" so the program won't uninstall correctly.
    - My account (administrator) is the only one available to log into on startup.
    - No other accounts show up in Control Panel / manage user accounts
    - Task Manager / Users shows my user AND 'guest01' logged in and running programs though I didn't log in to guest01
    - C: / Users has three folders: Public, my user, and guest01.
    - Ctrl+Alt+Del / Switch User shows a blank screen for a few seconds, then brings me back to login (where my account is the only one available)

    I'd like to know a) how to remove this user, and b) why it happened - the guy I bought the computer from didn't seem tech-savvy so I assume he made a mistake while trying to delete a user, but I'd like to know.

    Windows 10 version 1903, Dell Inspiron 3000. Computer has been turned on and off several times since purchase. Let me know if there's any other info you need. Thanks!

    :)
     
    ek111, Oct 23, 2019
    #1
  2. ART SHEN
    Art Shen Win User

    How to uninstall an installed "ghost" program, i.e. does not appear in the " uninstall or change a program" list

    Thank you.

    Most of the answers were incorrect regarding the "ghost" program.

    The REVO uninstaller, as suggested by Ande da Costa, solves the problem (bravo!)

    BUT only in its PRO version. It has the option of browsing to the c:\programs....etc,

    where the program is located.

    Thank you all

    art
     
    Art Shen, Oct 23, 2019
    #2
  3. OLI_RAMSAY
    oli_ramsay Win User
    How do you uninstall chipset drivers?

    I'm installing a new mobo so I need to uninstall the intel 865g drivers to make way for the P35 drivers.

    Can't find any uninstall options in add/remove programs and intel chipset inst listed in driver cleaner.

    Any suggestions? *Confused Ghost user preventing uninstall of programs :confused:
     
    oli_ramsay, Oct 23, 2019
    #3
  4. GURU KIRAN G
    Guru Kiran G Win User

    Ghost user preventing uninstall of programs

    can't uninstall program

    Hi,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community. I appreciate your effort in resolving this issue.

    - Did you try un-installing the program from programs and features?

    I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

    Repairing or removing programs

    To uninstall programs, go to Settings.
    • On the Start menu, then select Settings.
    • Select System > Apps & features.
    • Select the program, then select Uninstall. Some apps that are built in to Windows can’t be uninstalled.
    • Follow the directions on the screen.
    If you are still unable to uninstall the program, follow the steps below.

    • In Search, enter Control Panel and select Control Panel.
    • Select Programs > Programs and Features, then select the program.
    • Select the program, then select Uninstall. Some apps that are built in to Windows can’t be uninstalled.
    • Follow the directions on the screen.

    Let us know the status.

    Regards,

    Guru Kiran
     
    Guru Kiran G, Oct 23, 2019
    #4
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Ghost user preventing uninstall of programs

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