Murphy's Law: Is $40 Too Much to Ask for Revo Uninstaller Pro?
Murphy's Law: Is $40 Too Much to Ask for Revo Uninstaller Pro?
Posted 01/12/2010 at 9:00am
| by David Murphy
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It's always a curious enterprise when a company elects to deliver a fully-functional, nag-free version of a piece of software alongside a paid-for, "professional" or "super-bonus" edition of the same program. And it's not always easy to separate the freeware from an app's costly "real" version. Companies tend to do all they can to promote the latter-and with good reason-instead of delivering as much face-time and promotional effort for the freeware versions of their products. You might find an errant link to the inexpensive app on a download page... and that's it.
Such is the case with VS Revo Group's popular Revo Uninstaller application. I had been meaning to check out the professional version of this wicked uninstallation application for some time now, as curiosity was killing me. What's the big difference between the $40 edition and the freeware version?
Revo Uninstaller is no stranger to Maximum PC, after all-both my colleagues and I frequently cite it as a must-have download for anyone, be you a power-downloader with pages and pages of third-party applications on your system or a novice user who simply wants a junk-free PC. Given the strength of Revo Uninstaller's free version, it's hard to believe that its developers would be able to go above and beyond the program's critical feature-the seamless and complete removal of any file or registry entry associated with any program you install on your PC.
Simply put, Revo Uninstaller puts the default Windows add/remove utility to shame.
It's a little funny that many of the features built into the professional version of Revo Uninstaller are consequently ones that you can find... in other freeware applications. But I'll get to that in a second. The core of Revo Uninstaller Professional and Revo Uninstaller is identical regardless of whether you've made a monetary contribution to VS Revo Group or not.
Uninstallation Extras
Two new program uninstallation features found in the pro version of the software are handy, just not deal-breaking. A "new programs" list makes it easy to target a recently installed application or game for quick removal. Revo's tracing functionality is a unique addition-if you activate it when first installing a program, Revo will capture exactly what the installer mechanism dumps on your system. This consequently speeds up the Revo-based removal process later down the line and can offer a slightly more comprehensive deletion of leftover files versus the program's default scanning technique.
To be honest, I didn't make much use of Revo's "Forced Uninstall" option-to be found in the professional version only-for the program's included Hunter mode already accomplished everything I needed. Forced Uninstall allows you to target a folder or file and send Revo on a grand journey to find an associated uninstallation application already on your PC. If one doesn't exist, the app will run its usual bevy of scanning techniques to remove all files and folders associated with your target. Hunter, found on both Revo's professional and free versions, allows you to target applications currently running on your system. I don't foresee an average user looking to delete random folders on their system, but I can see a case for trimming down a ton of icons in one's system tray.
Of course, that's assuming that you'll even need to switch to these extra options to nuke programs on your system. The free Revo's program list and Hunter mode will likely satisfy 99-percent of all uninstallation-related desires.
Into the Sink
Beyond that, VS Revo Group goes the kitchen sink route in an attempt to bolster Revo Uninstaller Pro's presence. But these add-ons are nothing you haven't seen before: an Autorun manager for getting more information and editing the apps that start with your system (try msconfig and Google), a junk files cleaner for removing unnecessary files from your system (try CCleaner or SuperAntiSpyware), a "Windows Tools" option for accessing... parts of the operating system (try Control Panel or Start Menu), a browser cleaner for trashing your history and cache (um, try the browser itself?), et cetera.
It's nice to have all these options in a single place. But unless you're supremely lazy or really have no idea how to empty things like various apps' recent documents listings, your clipboard, your recycle bin, and your Windows temporary files, these are pretty paltry add-ons that replicate the most common actions one can do in the Windows operating system.
The Big Wrap-Up
There's no reason why you shouldn't have Revo Uninstaller on your system. Not many freeware applications deserve that kind of a pass, but Revo Uninstaller's comprehensive approach to program removal goes miles beyond what's normally offered through any version of Windows. That said, you don't need to pony up for the professional version of the program. The uninstallation-based features it adds are already replicated quite well in the free version of the app. The additional removal tools for various parts of your operating system, while helpful, are in no way worth the Revo's $40 asking price.
David Murphy (@ Acererak) is a technology journalist and former Maximum PC editor. He writes weekly columns about the wide world of open-source as well as weekly roundups of awesome, freebie software. Befriend him on Twitter, especially if you have an awesome app or game you're dying to recommend!
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TsunamiZ
November 22, 2010 at 11:33am
Anyone know if I will still need another registry cleaner program for registry maintenance if I use Revo Uninstaller Pro to uninstall programs? Any other registry cleaner program such as CCleaner, Registry Mechanic, etc. Or will Revo Uninstaller Pro do it all for me? What do you recommend?
BTW: I'm on Windows 7 x64.
markj99
May 07, 2010 at 4:07am
I'm confused: Was this article meant to be a review of the "Pro" version of the Revo Uninstaller; or is this just an opinion piece, about Revo's pricing strategy?
If it's just an editorial, then thanks, and never mind!
But if this is intended to be a sort of review, then I hope you actually tested Revo Pro's added functions, before passing judgment on their worth?
Saying that you "didn't make much use" of Revo Pro's 'Forced Uninstall' function, makes it clear that you didn't test
that particular function. But did you run tests on any of the other "extra-cost"
Pro features?In particular, how did you determine that the "trace" function provided only a "slightly more comprehensive deletion". Can't Revo Pro do better than that? What prevented it from doing a perfect uninstall?
You see, I've been searching for years for an uninstaller as good "CleanSweep" (RIP!). The ONE factor that made CleanSweep so great, was that it could monitor, in real time, whatever changes the installation program made, during the installation.
And, despite what all non-monitoring uninstallers claim, the ONLY way an uninstaller can undo every single
change an installer makes, is by monitoring and recording the system
changes -- AT THE TIME of the installation. You're kidding yourself if
you believe that its possible for any uninstaller to completely undo
an installation, simply by scanning the system disk, after the
installation program has already run. By then, it's simply too late!So, how good is Revo Pro's monitor/trace function, at restoring a system? Is it perfect? If not, why not?
Thanks!
vgg
January 12, 2010 at 10:49am
Well i think in a diffrent way than the people already reviewed the article. First the article doesn't give much information about the new feature in the Pro version (we all know that the Free is really good) but as a check on their web site there are few significant improvments in the Pro versions and most of them, i like the Tracing feature and the Backup manager.
The price is reasonable if you compare the program with the other uninstallers, well if you compare it with the Free version it is $40 higher ;). I think the improvements make it more complete as uninstaller and meet my needs for a good uninstaller. Of course i would have been happier if it was free or cheaper but i knew one day i will have to pay for it.
I will be very happy to see better article comparing Revo Pro with other paid uninstaller too.
Mr_Histamine
January 12, 2010 at 9:50am
I agree with the others, that this should be no more than $20. However, I think the tracing functionality and other uninstallation extras, would be most valuable to the IT departments of larger corporations (that is, if you can set it to automatically trace software installations, everytime a new program is installed).
The rest of the features seem to target those who don't want to have to run 5 programs to handle different tasks (which - in my opinion - is half the fun)...but $40 is a bit steep for all-in-one software with incredibly basic features.
________________________________________________________________________________
Please deposit your pride, life, and other garbage in the receptacles at the back of the theater before you leave. Thanks!
CTskifreak
January 12, 2010 at 8:49am
Before you get attacked, let me first state that I'm basically the Piriform "ambassador" - I have the same username at the Piriform forums, and I love their programs. However, any one who realizes CCleaner’s main use is primarily to remove junk and unneeded files - yeah, it deletes registry issues that are leftovers from uninstalled programs, but even the makers will admit Revo is much better at that job, considering it was designed primarily for that. On topic, I agree that $20 seems like a better price than $40. And I have it installed on a Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit system as well with no issues.
DogPatch1149
January 12, 2010 at 8:40am
The price were reasonable (say $15-$20), and it would only be for the tracing feature. Revo is indeed a godsend when it comes to pulling off programs (especially crapware loaded by OEMs), but it certainly isn't worth $40.
The last paid program I remember having a similar feature was Symantec (nee Quarterdeck) Cleansweep, and I've missed having that feature ever since. If Revo had both tracing and something akin to Altiris' Software Virtualization Service (letting you install a program as a layer and completely, cleanly uninstall it with no traces or changes to the host system), it might be worth more. Until then, I'll stick with the free version.
myndflyte
January 12, 2010 at 8:21am
So I guess the question becomes what is the best free uninstaller for a 64-bit system? I recently updated to Win 7 64 and am kind of disappointed to find out that I can't use revo to uninstall 64-bit programs.
TheMurph
January 12, 2010 at 9:39am
Can't use Revo to uninstall 64-bit programs? What have you tried? I have yet to find a program that Revo can't uninstall -- it works like a charm for programs located in your 64-bit "program files" directory.
ruxjaye
January 12, 2010 at 4:27pm
Running version 1.85 of the free version of revo uninstaller, it doesn't show any of my native 64-bit programs within it's programs list. I'm on a pretty fresh install so the only native 64 programs I have are iTunes, and 7-zip. Neither of them show up in the list of programs that revo shows when launched and hunter mode gives an error.
TheMurph
January 12, 2010 at 10:07pm
Hm. I just used it to uninstall the 64-bit version of Rainmeter... let me check on iTunes.
ruxjaye
January 15, 2010 at 2:47pm
that'd be great if it's something on my end. I love the program. From my understanding the 32bit(free) version runs fine on 64bit, just wouldn't list native 64bit programs. I dug up an email I had sent them a while ago, here it is:
"Rux to support@revouninstaller.com
Hello, first let me say absolutely love revo uninstaller, works great and has been a must install on my machines for some time now. I'm going to be upgrading to the 64bit version of win7 shortly and was wondering if there are plans for a version that will be able to uninstall native 64bit apps and if so if you have an expected release date?"
"From support@revouninstaller.com to Rux"
Hello,
thank you very much for your feedback! We really appreciate it!Next major release of Revo Uninstaller will be available next month and it will include 64bit operating systems because current version does not list native 64bit apps but it will do! It will also include a lot of new features and improvements! Stay up to date and you will be pleased.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Thank you!
Best regards,
Revo Uninstaller Support Team
www.revouninstaller.com"
jchadwell
January 12, 2010 at 7:38am
Great article! I've often wondered what I'm missing out on by just using the free versions of applications instead of the paid versions. I would like to see other apps covered like this (critical look at free vs. paid).
tonychow70
January 12, 2010 at 7:16am
For some computer geeks, this software doesn't mean it's needed. There are many powerful FREE wares can do such things. And some power users can uninstall any software without any leftovers. $40? No thanks. Also, who will using 64 bit Windows? For most home users, 32 bit is enough.
What I think? $19.99 sould be ok.
Tekzel
January 12, 2010 at 7:38am
Actually, going forward, the number of 64bit users is growing fast. Pretty much most new windows systems you can buy is running 64bit windows, since most of them have 4gb+ RAM. Every new system I have had to go help customers set up and transfer data to since November have been Windows 7 x64. Every single one.
Although, I do agree that $40 is way too much. Theres not nearly enough value there vs the free version to warrant that cost. Should have been $15.00 to $20.00 at most, and $20 is stretching to to me. Seems more like a donation than anything.
To0nces
January 13, 2010 at 4:52am
64 bit is pretty much the future. The only people who would install 32 bit either play 16 bit games or just don't know any better.
DCantu1970
January 12, 2010 at 6:36am
Sorry, but the way I see this is easy--if a company can't make money on their software, why should they continue to provide it for free?
I believe that if a person truly finds value in using a piece of software, they should pay for it.
$40 does sound a little steep though, maybe if it were $19.99, people wouldn't balk at paying for it.
COMMANDER_COOK
January 13, 2010 at 1:12am
Ccleaner's uninstall utility is the same a windows. It's just another frontend.
silence
January 12, 2010 at 3:27am
I must state that it does in fact work just fine on a 64 bit OS.
I run Win7 x64, and use the freeware version of revo uninstaller on a regular basis with no issues.
gtubbesing
January 12, 2010 at 3:20am
Dave,
The one thing you forgot to mention is that the freeware version is not for 64-bit systems. Revo's website specifically states that the freeware version is for 32-bit OS's only. Unfortunately, I agree that it is not worth the 40 bucks just to be able to use it with Win7 64-bit, even if you do get 8 more MB!
Here's the info from their website...
Revo Uninstaller Freeware
Current Version: 1.85
Setup File Size: 1.06 MB
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server, Windows Vista, Windows 7
32 bit operating systems only
Revo Uninstaller Professional
Current Version: 2.0.5
Setup File Size: 9.03 MB
Windows XP, Windows Server, Windows Vista, Windows 7
32 and 64 bit operating systems
TheMurph
January 12, 2010 at 9:06am
Free version works just fine on my 64-bit Windows 7. No problems whatsoever.
To0nces
January 12, 2010 at 5:29am
Probably just means that they didn't code a 64 bit version of the freeware app. However, that doesn't mean it won't work on a 64 bit system.
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