How to Uninstall Protected Folder When Its Uninstaller is Locked

Uninstalling software like Protected Folder when it has locked its own uninstaller can be a significant challenge. However, there are several methods you can employ to successfully remove it. Below are detailed steps to help you through the process.

Method 1: Use Safe Mode

The first method involves restarting your computer in Safe Mode, which may bypass the protection and allow you to uninstall Protected Folder.

Restart Your Computer in Safe Mode

On Windows, press F8 or hold Shift and click Restart during boot to access the Advanced Boot Options. Select Safe Mode.

Navigate to the installation directory of Protected Folder, usually in C:Program Files or C:Program Files x86.

Run the Uninstaller

From Safe Mode, try running uninstall.exe. The software will not be running in Safe Mode, which may allow you to uninstall it.

Method 2: Use Task Manager

If Safe Mode does not work, use Task Manager to terminate any running Protected Folder processes and then run the uninstaller.

Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.

End the Protected Folder Process

Look for any processes related to Protected Folder and end them.

Run the Uninstaller

After terminating the process, try running uninstall.exe again.

Method 3: Use Third-Party Uninstaller Software

Another approach is to use a third-party uninstaller, such as Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller, which can force uninstall applications.

Download a Third-Party Uninstaller

Use software like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller which can bypass the locked uninstaller.

Run the Uninstaller

Install the third-party uninstaller, run it, and then select Protected Folder to remove it.

Method 4: Manually Remove the Software

If the above methods fail, you can manually remove the software. This process involves deleting the installation folder, removing registry entries, and restarting your computer.

Delete Installation Folder

Navigate to the installation directory and delete the Protected Folder folder.

Remove Registry Entries (Advanced Users)

Press Win R, type regedit, and hit Enter. Backup your registry File Export. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftware and HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware and look for any entries related to Protected Folder. Delete them carefully.

Caution: Modifying the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly.

Restart Your Computer

Restart your system to complete the removal process.

Method 5: Contact Support

If you are still unable to uninstall the software, consider reaching out to the software's customer support for assistance.

Note:

Always ensure you have backups of your important data before making significant changes to your system.