how do you uninstall apps in a windows tablet ?

[vhelp]

specs: dell venue 8 pro (windows 8.1)

i picked up another tablet yesterday... couldn't put it down, trying to absorb as much of it as possible to like its new way of windows'ing. i must admit, i am quite pleased with it. that being said....

the short story:
a) the app installed and changed my default browser to an Ask browser, and
b) i can't figure out how to un-install it since it doesn't show up in the apps list.

the longer story:
you know when you go to the Store and download apps, there usually a green INSTALL button. however, in some apps there aren't any because you have to go to the publishers website and download an installer app and then run that to install the app. they nicely provide the link. so the problem is, now i can't surf properly because they installed an Ask bar and i can't figure out how to remove that and restore back to the original browser configuration, that is for both browsers, IE and Shuttles, and also, i can't figure out what program/app was it that i installed let alone how to un-install it and everything-else from that package since that name and app is not listed in the apps section. i even tried searching for un-installers but there doesn't appear to be any, except for the one's i found but that mention not to use them because they expect payment and/or are full of bloatware/adware/etc.

the start button doesn't show what it was suppose to, only brings me back to the shuttle screen. theres no start menu, etc.

is there a tool for removing non-official apps when the usual method is not available ?

[TreeTops]

Didn't know there was a ASK browser. But there is a ASK toolbar that gets installed with some 3rd party software. Is it a toolbar or a browser? If toolbar there are ways to delete it. Just google it.

[vhelp]

that's what i've been doing. i can't get the phrase right in google to get the hits i am after. and i just have so many doubts about doing things since windows 8.1 is all new to me and i don't want to make the tablet become unusable or worse, so i am constantly reading a lot of info and going here and there and back and forth, re-reading again and again to understand the various info i am reading. if i knew how to image this thing as-is after initial setup, i would have. then, something like this wouldn't have been a problem and you wouldn't be reading this.

thanks anyway. i'm still looking at and reviewing other ideas before i take the plung and fix this.

[budwzr]

There's nothing to uninstall. Change the search provider in the browser settings.

[Bjs]

Press start to bring up charms bar, then use search to find it and select the annoying application ... then you'll get the options bar to show and be able to uninstall, click uninstall when prompted.

[Cornucopia]

They'll never get me to use any stupid OS that has a "charms" anything! What do they think I am, 8?!!

...oh maybe that's where the name came from...

Scott

[budwzr]

Actually, it's designed for old farts I think. Far too simple compared to the Android/iPhone world.

Microsoft takes too long to put out updated software, so you're looking at an idea from 3-5 years ago. They need to do something more timeless and enduring if they want to stay viable.

They stuck with the old Windows Phone model for way too long too, and missed the boat. As a matter of fact, now that I think of it, they missed EVERY boat.

Such a shame the shareholders let Steve Ballmer ruin the company, then float out on a big golden parachute. I think Ballmer finally learned to shut his big fat mouth and stop exaggerating with all pie-in-the-sky promises.

You don't hear Apple shouting about the next big thing, they just do it.

[vhelp]

the web didn't help me this time around, but i managed to figure it out through trial and error. after the procedures below, the original web address came back. maybe this will help others who fall victim to this situation. this is only to remove the Ask toolbar, not the complete (mystery) package that was installed. after all, it took about 5 minutes to install, so there is more to it than just the Ask toolbar that got installed. i just can't figure out what exactly, let alone, to zap it away.

how to uninstall the (Search App by Ask) toolbar:

1. on the keyboard, enter the keys, windows+X 
2. at the drop-down list, select "Programs and Features"
3. from the list, locate the app and select it and then right-click it and select Uninstall
4. at the prompt, select Yes.
5. and at the 'User Account Control' pop up dialog, select Yes.
6. then windows will proceed to uninstall the app and finish.
7. swipe left, select Power and then select Restart.
8. finish

[vhelp]

They'll never get me to use any stupid OS that has a "charms" anything!

i thought it was called the shuttle bar or shuttle something.

from my point of view, you have your windows desktop on the left (swipe left) and the shuttle bar (swipe right) on the right.

it was a pain to navigate at first. but after struggling with it and its problems, (most tamed by now) the steps become nearly second nature and you start to remember where certain things are.

there is also two browsers. the IE version and (a skinned IE) shuttle version. i think the shuttle version is a bit faster.

[budwzr]

The reason the App couldn't be downloaded from the store is because MS put a block on them due to the App being not up to standards. A lot of the Apps are junk or scams.

[vhelp]

yep, that's been my experience.. both android and windows tablets. at least i can custom develop my own apps if necessary. but all my tablet needs require a good editor (even notepad will suffice) and spreadsheet, and be able to copy/paste from it if necessary. anyway. i got lucky and have the office 2013 installed. now i can excel all i want. and now all i need is a good access database. but i can't find that at the Store. anyway. i'm right at home with excel on this tablet, nothing to relearn. i have a nice bluetooth keyboard and mouse. and all are working perfectly.