How can I uninstall old Flash Player 15 Plugin that my pc won't let me?

[joeg15086491]

I am having the problem of making a clean install, by completely uninstalling older versions.

[jeromiec83223024 · Accepted solution]

This is the manual method for uninstalling Flash Player on Win7 and below. 

Note: People on Windows 8 and higher WILL mess up their systems doing this. 
If you're on one of those platforms, DON'T do this.  Seriously.

First, this procedure is invasive.  This is a fantastic time to back up anything critical on your computer, if you don't already have current backups. 

Performing a Clean install of Flash Player on Windows:

https://forums.adobe.com/thread/928315

If you come across a step that you can't complete (which you probably will), it's a good indication that your filesystem is corrupt.  This might just be a random thing, or it's an early warning that your hard disk is going to die. 

If that happens, first run chkdsk and repair any problems with the filesystem:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2641432

If you're still stuck and it's a file that you can't delete, Unlocker will usually make it accessible again: Unlocker - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com

If it's a registry key that you can't remove, then you're in less comfortable territory. 

Windows already automatically scans and repairs the registry, so something is spectacularly messed up if you're in this state.  There are commercial utilities that offer to repair the registry, but I don't know any of them well enough to make a recommendation.  Personally, I would take it as a sign that it's time to think about wiping the machine and starting over with a fresh OS install.  Something is wonky, and the system will almost certainly perform much better with a clean slate.  If your disk *is* dying, there's a good chance that you'll push it over the edge in the process, but it was already a matter of time, and it's better than losing it having not backed up.

[joeg15086491]

Dear jeromiec83223024,   thanks, I am very impressed by your answer.  Even though I already had updated to free Windows 10 and, therefore, could not make the recommended correction, I appreciate your information.  I should have checked my email sooner, but I have been ill.  joeg15086491