An Old Install Folder Is Left Behind and Will Not Delete

2 min to read

An Old Install Folder Is Left Behind and Will Not Delete

If you have a leftover install folder that Windows refuses to delete, telling you that you need permission, there is a specific reason and a proper fix. This includes folders left over from when RIP Reticle was still called AIM Tweaks.

What happened

Certain older versions tightened the permissions on their own install folder to protect it. The uninstaller in those versions did not run with the rights needed to undo that, so uninstalling could leave the folder behind, locked.

It is harmless

It is not running, it is not doing anything, and it is not a security problem. It takes up space and it is untidy.

The easy fix

Install the current version. Newer builds detect a locked leftover folder from an older install and clear it up on startup. This is the recommended route because it needs nothing from you.

If you no longer want the app at all

Install the current version, let it start once so it can tidy up, then uninstall that. It sounds backwards and it is the cleanest way to get to a properly removed state.

Please do not force the permissions yourself

Guides for taking ownership of a folder do work, and they are also a good way to change permissions on something you did not intend. The app can do it correctly.

A dead shortcut

You may also have a Start menu or desktop shortcut pointing at the old folder that does nothing. That is safe to delete normally.

If the folder is still there afterwards

Send us a message from the support bubble at the bottom right and tell us the exact folder path and which version you had. This one has a known history and we would rather deal with it than have you fighting Windows permissions.

Related: Uninstalling, The AIM Tweaks rename.