Even after successfully uninstalling Carbonite, some users notice residual files, folders, and logs remaining on their system. These leftover files can take up disk space, create conflicts with reinstallation, or cause system clutter.

This guide explains why leftover files occur and provides step-by-step instructions to remove them completely.

Why Carbonite Leaves Residual Files

1. Backup Logs and Configuration Files

   • Carbonite stores logs and configuration files separately from the main program folder.

2. Temporary Files

   • Files used during backup, restore, or updates may not be deleted automatically.

3. Registry Entries (Windows)

   • Certain registry keys may persist after uninstallation, especially if the uninstall process is interrupted.

4. User-Specific Folders (Mac/Windows)

   • Files in user directories like AppData (Windows) or Library (Mac) may remain.

5. Failed Uninstall or Corrupted Installation

   • Incomplete removal may leave program remnants behind.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Leftover Files

1️⃣ Check Program Files and Application Folders

Windows:

• Navigate to:

  • C:\Program Files\Carbonite

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Carbonite

• Delete any remaining folders.

Mac:

• Open Applications folder → Remove Carbonite app if still present.

2️⃣ Remove User Data and Support Files

Windows:

• C:\ProgramData\Carbonite → Delete folder

• C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Carbonite → Delete folder

• C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Carbonite → Delete folder

Mac:

• ~/Library/Application Support/Carbonite → Delete

• ~/Library/Preferences/com.carbonite.plist → Delete

3️⃣ Clear Temporary Files

Windows:

• Open Run (Win + R) → Type %temp% → Delete unnecessary files

Mac:

• /private/var/folders/ → Remove temporary Carbonite files if present

4️⃣ Clean Registry Entries (Windows Only, Advanced)

• Press Win + R → regedit

• Search for Carbonite entries

• Delete related keys carefully (backup registry first)

⚠️ Only perform registry edits if comfortable; incorrect edits can cause system issues.

5️⃣ Restart Your Device

• Reboot after removing all leftover files to ensure no residual processes remain.

6️⃣ Optional: Use Third-Party Cleanup Tools

• Tools like Revo Uninstaller or CCleaner can detect and remove leftover files and registry entries.

• Ensure backup data is secure before using these tools.

Business Users: Leftover File Considerations

• Check all endpoints for residual files after uninstalling Carbonite.

• Remove old configuration and logs to prevent conflicts during redeployment.

• Ensure backups are completed or stored in the cloud before deleting residual files.

Tips to Prevent Leftover Files in the Future

• Stop all Carbonite services before uninstalling.

• Run the uninstaller as an administrator.

• Temporarily disable antivirus during removal to avoid blocked deletions.

• Manually check user directories and program folders after uninstall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why does Carbonite leave files after uninstall?
Residual files often include logs, temporary files, user configuration, and registry entries not removed automatically.

Q2: Can leftover files affect reinstalling Carbonite?
Yes, leftover files or corrupted configuration may cause installation conflicts or errors.

Q3: Are leftover files safe to delete?
Yes, as long as your backup data is safely stored in the cloud, deleting residual Carbonite files is safe.

Q4: Is there a tool to clean leftover Carbonite files automatically?
Yes, third-party uninstallers like Revo Uninstaller or CCleaner can safely remove residual files and registry entries.

Final Thoughts

Leftover files after uninstalling Carbonite are common but manageable. By removing program folders, user data, temporary files, and registry entries, users can maintain a clean system and prevent conflicts with future installations.

Business users should coordinate removal across multiple endpoints to ensure consistency and prevent errors during redeployment or upgrade.