23 replies to this topic

[jkon]

hello one and all.just joined the club and have a bit of a problem for you.i installed download accelerator plus(and uninstalled it a long time ago and recently noticed a folder named DAP in my program files.it contains a sub folder named history containing a folder for each user.when i try to delete it i get an access denied warning.im pretty sure theres something dodgey goin on here(i believe DAP has a bad rep)and would be very grateful of any help.

[paws]

Hi,and welcome to WTT forums
DAP can be awkward to uninstall and does carry a reputation regarding advertising and other material.

Download accelerators used to be popular in the days when narrow band internet connections were more usual, but if you are operating with broadband are now often considered unnecessary.

Here's some information that may help you with the complete uninstall.,
http://xona.com/2005/03/16.html

If you suspect malware has been allowed onto your machine, then it may be wise to visit our malware removal forum for specific advice:
http://forums.whatth...ers_t34502.html

Regards
paws

[jkon]

thank you for your response paws.im in work at the moment but i will give it a shot this evening and let you know how i fared out. thanks again.

[paws]

[jkon]

hello again paws.ran into abit of a problem.i tried solution #1 several times to no success,so i downloaded the unwise file and followed the instructions but when i try to run the file windows doesnt recognise the file type.im afraid i need to drain your pool of knowledge abit more again if you dont mind. yours thankfully, the two fingered typist.

[paws]

Hi,
Did you remember to rename it as an .exe?
Further instructions from here:
http://xona.com/foru...topic.php?t=121
Regards
paws

[jkon]

Yes, i renamed it UNWISE.EXE,the file type remains EX_ and i dont think i can change that

[paws]

Hi, Yep looks like you have the "difficult to uninstall" one! I think the best thing to do is to reboot your machine and then: 1 Download DAP again and install in the normal way 2 Reboot your machine 3 Do a disc clean up 4 Uninstall (from add/remove programs) 5 reboot 6 see how you go if still no joy then run the unwise.exe Just a few extra tips, the reboots that I mention are not just to create work! they are essential, without them the uninstall has no chance of working! The threads that I linked to are the definitive ones (as far as I know) so if in any doubt read them all again! just in case you missed something important. Make sure, before you start that you have the check/tick-box cleared in "Hide extensions for known file types" and the check/tick box ticked in "Show hidden files and folders"...........My Computer>Tools>Folder Options>View Hopefully this will do the trick Regards paws

[jkon]

hello Paws.hope your still following this thread.sorry i took so long to get back to you.bad news im afraid.changing the settings in the folder options pane did allow me to run the unwise exe but i have followed both solutions to the tee several times and even tried a few variations.runing the unwise exe on the file cant retrieve an install log(ive ran it from within and from outside the dap folder),i have ran a search but found nothing pertaining to dap.i have tried running several different cleanup progs,the windows supplied cleaner,registry mechanic and cleanup.on one uninstall i opened the custom uninstall and found that it doesnt even show this history folder.it seems no matter what i do everything accept for this folder is uninstalled. yours thankfully, one who is now balding at an irregular rate.

[paws]

Hi, Bearing in mind you have uninstalled this programm in the past, it may have just left the folders behind whist taking out the main stuff and registry entries, This would seem to be confirmed by you having run registry cleaners in the past that should have removed any orphan registry entries. If this is correct then its time to do a straight delete of the folder and its contents in safe mode. Before you do anything be sure to create a System Restore point, and then: 1 Shut down your computer in the normal way and wait for 30 seconds 2 Restart your computer and immediately after the bios loads (it will sometimes give 1 beep) BUT before Windows starts to load commence tapping the F8 key on your keyboard regularly once per second until an advanced menu appears (in black) 3 Select "safe mode" from the options provided, and accept any warnings as you defintely want safe mode! 4 You will have a working machine in safe mode but without a lot of the drivers being loaded so it may look a bit strange and the writing will appear a lot bigger...this is normal. 5 Now try to delete the folder and see how you go (it may be worth trying to delete invidual files if you have trouble rather than the whole foder at one go. When you have done, shut down your computer in the usual way wait 30 seconds then restart it and it will then reboot into normal mode. If this doesn't fix it then we will escalate the degree of action needed (we may need to engage some "artillery" here rather than the "small arms fire" that we are currently using!) and I will give you instructions on how to proceed. Regards paws

[jkon]

Im very sorry to do this too you paws,but it didn't work,tried it on the parent folder and all the sub folders.i had another nose around on the internet and got the impression some people had problems with browsers still accessing Dap after it was uninstalled and wondered if under the error notice when it says to "make sure the file is not currently in use" might be referring to this in some way. Once again i would like to thank you for your time and patience with this matter, yours sincerely jkon.

[paws]

Hi, Sorry to hear that the problem has not been resolved by the small arms fire we have been using up to know.
So really its now decision time.... if you definitely want to persevere and remove this folder and its contents then I will provide you with some artillery!

However please be sure before you start that you do really want rid and can't live with your machine as it is.... Make a disc image use (Ghost, Acronis, Drive Image, Paragon or similar) so at least you can get it put back together again if causes problems. Gathering together your Windows Installation disc, application discs and all product keys (including the one for Windows itself) would also be be a good idea.

Also make sure that your Registry is backed up and a restore point made and all data, drivers, and important stuff is safely copied to removable media Don't forget your emails, address book ,favourites etc. I make a lot of this as I don't want your system to lose the PhD thesis that you have been working on for the last few years or anything that's important to you.

When you are happy that you have "managed" the risks down to a level that is acceptable to you bearing in mind the value of your data , then take a deep breath and go here:

http://xona.com/2004/08/19.html
You will find various tools there and hopefully one of them will do the job for you.
Post back and let us know what you decided and how you got on.
Regards
paws

[jkon]

HOLY carp**!!!! Between xona an all that backing up,thats alot to take on,and dont knock my Phd in social studies.i put alot of bar time into that. Alright Paws,cover me, im goin in.this might take a couple of days though.

[jkon]

Im sorry paws,my big guns must be firing big blanks.ive spent days going over each option several times.Opt#1-End locking process.ive shut several that i dare shut down,downloaded several programs that tell what each process is and what files its locking and they all seem legit.Opt#2-shut down explorer.exe.Tried this on- C:\Program Files\DAP -asks me if im sure and on yes it does nothing C:\Program Files\DAP\History -i get "history is not recognized as an internal or external command,operable program or batch file" C:\Program Files\DAP\History\username- access denied Opt#3-delete file using DOS name-returns "volume has no label,volume serial no. D44E-E59E".Tried with the number,no luck. Opt#4-delete file before locking process-on reboot DOS asks me to confirm,on yes it promptly asks me to press any key to continue and achieves nothing else. Opt#5-infinite loop batch-infinitely tells me it cant find the file. Opt#6-not available Opt#7-Scoured through process explorer for hours and could find no mention of the files. Opt#8-I dont think is relevant since i dont keep zip files. Ive learned more about computers in the last five days than in the last five years,me brain is scrambled. Are there any more options? yours thankfully jkon.

[paws]

Hi, That lot should have shifted it..... but have a look here:
http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/
download the tool...it's free and see how you go
Regards
paws