How Block Unwanted Software From Starting

GarCooper · 27 Jan 2020

Windows 10 Version 1903

NCH Software seems to have installed 28 of their programs on my PC. There is a directory showing shortcuts to them, including one called Doxillion.

Now, when I try to edit a doc file by clicking on the filename in my directory program, l get a message telling me to run Doxillion if I want to edit the doc.

None of the NCH programs are listed in the installed apps in Windows Settings, so I can't uninstall.

How do I block or uninstall the NCH stuff?

Thanks.

dalchina · 27 Jan 2020

Hi, NCH is notorious for this. Shame, as one or two are interesting progs.

One way would be to install an NCH prog, then uninstall starting with Revo or Geek uninstaller (free).
You could also try just running one of those and see if they list anything by NCH.

Then scan the registry for NCH and back up, and delete as necessary.

Or, if you have a system restore point, try restoring using that- although restoring using a SR point is notoriously unreliable- no harm will be done- just may not complete.

See
What's the Problem With NCH Software & How to Remove It?
(Google search for 'remove nch').

GarCooper · 27 Jan 2020

Isn't there a way that doesn't involve changing the registry.

I wouldn't know what to do, and also I'm concerned that I would make a serious mistake

dalchina · 27 Jan 2020

If you read the article and my post I suggested you use either

Geek uninstaller
or
Revo uninstaller

I also mentioned a system restore point.

Just wondering if you read the post and understood it.

That doesn't require you to access the registry, but doesn't guarantee you have no references to NCH software.

And thank you for your reply.

GarCooper · 27 Jan 2020

I looked at the MUO link you gave. I'll study what to do as I get time. Will let you know results, hopefully this evening, perhaps tomorrow.

Thanks.

Jacee · 27 Jan 2020

See this for the right NCH software to remove, NCH Software - Should I Remove It?

Next

There will also be a 'toolbar' added to your browser. Please see this NCH Software Uninstallation Page

GarCooper · 27 Jan 2020

Thanks to Dalchina and Jacee for their help.

I will go ahead with the suggestions after I back my system up. I'll mark as solved but if needed after attempting removal, I'll ask the question again.

Try3 · 28 Jan 2020

Are you talking about a set of shortcuts in
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\NCH Software Suite?

How Block Unwanted Software From Starting-nch-shortcuts-folders.png

Those applications are not installed by default. If you use any of those 'shortcuts' you will download & install them.

You might also see NCH entries added to your context menu. Those can also be deleted fairly straightforwardly.
- I've enclosed a .reg file that will remove the ones I have encountered.
- You can examine the .reg file contents in Notepad before using it {just open Notepad then drag the .reg file into its window}.
ContextMenuRemovals-NCH.reg

Denis

Try3 · 28 Jan 2020

Now, when I try to edit a doc file by clicking on the filename in my directory program, l get a message telling me to run Doxillion if I want to edit the doc.

This seems to indicate that you have installed this particular 'utility'. Please post a screenshot to help with assessment of the problem.

Denis

dalchina · 28 Jan 2020

@Try3 - the problem with NCH software is not just the visible bits on the GUI- it spreads like Japanese knotweed throughout the registry with references to other NCH programs if you install one. Hence my recommendation to use an uninstaller.