Hamburg - Software for uninstalling programs does not work completely reliably, a new test has shown.

For that reason computer users are advised to stick with the uninstallation function included in Windows and to reach for special software only if problems arise, according to Hamburg-based magazine Computer Bild. The magazine tested five programs and compared the results with Windows' Add/Remove programs function.

Only one piece of software, priced at 19 dollars, even received the grade of "satisfactory."

All other test candidates including two cost-free ones only achieved an "acceptable." The most expensive software, priced at 50 dollars, came last. The decisive point: some programs were only partially deleted from the computer. All of the programs were also guilty of showing the user incomprehensible messages. (dpa)