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digiarch.org

Introduction

OrphansRemover searches and deletes shortcuts (*.lnk files) with an invalid target in the given folders and subfolders, like your Start menu, Recent documents, etc. These so called orphans are typically the result of uninstalled programs, deleted or moved documents.

Usage

Select the folders you want to scan.
You can use the user defined folder, to specify a custom search folder with its subfolders.
Pressing ‘Start scan’ will start the search in the selected folders and subfolders.
All shortcuts with an invalid target will be listed in the list box.
Verify the found shortcut files listed in the list box and unselect files you don’t want to delete.
Pressing ‘Delete orphans’ will delete all checked files in the list box.
When deleting a shortcut leaves an empty sub directory, it also will be deleted.

Download and latest version

The latest version of OrphansRemover can always be found at:
http://www.digiarch.org/download/orphansremover.zip

Command-line options

For automation purposes there are several command-line switches you can use.
The following switches correspond with the checkboxes in program interface:

-startmenu
-desktop
-favorites
-history
-recent
-temppath
-programfiles
-applicationdata
-removabledrives
-networkdrives
-cdromdrives
-ramdrive
-userdir "C:\Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Office\Recent"

The silent switch will suppress the interface and delete all shortcuts according to the switches listed above.

-silent

These switches can be used to automate the start, delete and exit process with the interface visible.

-start
-delete
-exit

Example:
c:\program files\orphansremover\orphansremover.exe –recent -silent

Donations

OrphansRemover is Freeware (no ads, no nag screens, no limitations).

Should you find OrphansRemover useful, we ask that you contribute to their continued development by kindly making a donation. Donations help subsidize the costs of developing software by
helping pay for internet connectivity, web hosting costs, and the time spent on these projects.

Donations are made through by clicking on the button below.
All donations, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated!