Uninstall Arcsoft Software

[T3hPreacher]

I was installing a driver for an Epson printer I'll be using, and a software called Arcsoft Print Creations was installed along with it.

I didn't know what this program was, and now I'm a little annoyed with it. I've tried using AppZapper but it's not finding all the files. It took care of Print Creations, but I still can't get the Arcsoft logo out of the corner of my screen (see attached photo)

This logo is faded out most of the time, but it becomes solid when you mouse near it. It wants me to register my software, but I want it to go away. Right clicking brings an option to make the window never show again, but I want the program totally gone.

Does anyone have any experience with removing software like this? Can anyone help me remove these files?

 

[plinden]

What happens if you click "don't show this window anymore"?

I'm not familiar with this program (but a google search shows other people complaining about not being able to delete it ... although in Windows) so can't give any detailed suggestions. But the best thing about the Mac is that it will be possible to find and delete all the related files, even if it means some work. There's no registry to be corrupted.

Check if there's a login item in your account preferences. If it shows up there you can right click -> reveal in Finder.

Also check in your account's Library/Application Support and Library/PreferencePanes, as well as the main /Library/Application Support and /Library/PreferencePanes.

Third party software shouldn't install in System, but check in /System/Library/StartupItems anyway.

 

[T3hPreacher]

Thanks, Plinden. This gave me all the information I need. I was able to remove the application.

The app causing the annoying window was called ConnectService. You can stop it by ending the process. It was installed under Library/Application Support/Arc Soft/Connect Service. Once I stopped the process the window went away, and I was able to delete the program. There were also some random files under my account's Library/Application Support/Arc Soft/Connect Service -- I deleted those too. I'm pretty sure I got everything.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[jegelie]

Actually the computer still tries to start the service upon startup. But since the app is deleted, it will fail and go on booting.

Arcsoft uses a dirty trick, a loophole that Apple should close. It uses the same mechanism as used by the prefpane "Accounts" (Login items). But in stead of saving these preferences in the /Users/my_user_name/Library/Preferences/ folder, it saves them directly in /Library/Preferences/. So there is no Login Items prefpane to edit that.

When you enter the folder /Library/Preferences/, you will find a file called "loginwindow.plist". When you open that either with Property List Editor (part of XCode dev tools) or TextEdit, you will see a key "AutoLaunchedApplicationDictionary". Under that key you will find "/Library/Application Support/ArcSoft/Connect Service/ConnectService.app". That is the culprit.

If it is the only application in that plist, then remove the file (otherwise remove only the entry). Next startup the Arcsoft Connect Service will not start again (until done so by hand of course).

 

[rowlands]

Thanks guys for posting this information, I just tried some software that came with my new Panasonic camera, and it installed this junk on my machine. I think I'll let Panasonic know that the ArcSoft installs unnecessary crap.

Thanks to jegelie, I finally figured out how to clear the google updater entry (even after deleting google updater). Yes Apple should close holes like these!

 

[sensordev]

Arcsoft uses a dirty trick....

When you enter the folder /Library/Preferences/, you will find a file called "loginwindow.plist". When you open that either with Property List Editor (part of XCode dev tools) or TextEdit, you will see a key "AutoLaunchedApplicationDictionary". Under that key you will find "/Library/Application Support/ArcSoft/Connect Service/ConnectService.app". That is the culprit.

If it is the only application in that plist, then remove the file (otherwise remove only the entry). Next startup the Arcsoft Connect Service will not start again (until done so by hand of course).

Thanks, jegelie and all who contributed. I've been trying to ditch that annoying notice for months with no success. Followed your instructions and it's history.

Leech software is about as disgusting as a real leech, and I can't understand why companies use it. My interface with Epson and HP "printer software" is kept to a bare minimum, drivers only when that can be done. If I wanted every piece of software to stick to me and draw blood I'd switch to a PC and Microsoft.

 

[coops]

Oddly enough, a cousins daughter just got a new Macbook and was showing me it... and she had this arcsoft thing too. I'll be sending them a pdf of this thread to deal with it - thanks!

I've avoided HP ever since i installed an all in one that required 500Mb to install..... looks like Epson are joining the black list. I hear Brother work well with Macs....


Coops

 

[73553]

Arcsoft banner

pppfffffffffffff the banner still came after restarting, to give me the latest updates and news
like i want to know!! luckally i was able to swich them off on the banner itself... i hope they wont comeback

i wrote some mails to Arcsoft telling them ill never use their software
just because of these F...... %$#@* excuse my French...
i know it will not help, but mabe if more people complain someday they stop

 

[Help !]

Help !

Lion 10.7.3 - How do I uninstall all vestiges of Arcsoft from CanoScan 9000F software ?
I shall be grateful for any pointers.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Lion 10.7.3 - How do I uninstall all vestiges of Arcsoft from CanoScan 9000F software ?
I shall be grateful for any pointers.

Best way to FULLY DELETE a program​