Introduction: Why Can’t You Fully Remove Dahua SmartPSS?
If you’ve tried uninstalling Dahua SmartPSS, you may have noticed that:
- The application still appears in your startup programs
- Background services continue running even after uninstallation
- Leftover configuration files and registry entries remain
- Reinstallation fails due to old system traces
Dahua SmartPSS is a powerful video management software used for surveillance systems, including IP cameras, DVRs, and NVRs. While it’s essential for security monitoring, its deep integration with Windows services, drivers, and configuration files often makes complete removal difficult using standard uninstall methods.
In this guide, we’ll:
- Explain why Dahua SmartPSS leaves behind traces
- Provide 6 professional methods to fully remove it
- Include a success rate for each method
- Help you prepare your system for switching to alternative VMS tools or clean reinstallations
Let’s dive into how to completely remove Dahua SmartPSS from your system!
What Makes Dahua SmartPSS Difficult to Remove?
Understanding why the software doesn’t uninstall cleanly helps you choose the best removal strategy:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| 🧩 Deep System Integration | Installs background services and real-time drivers |
| 🔐 Persistent Registry Entries | Stores device settings and user preferences in HKLM |
| 💾 Cached Surveillance Data | Keeps logs, thumbnails, and temporary recordings |
| 📁 Hidden AppData Folders | Leaves behind configuration and cache files |
| 🧰 Incomplete Standard Uninstaller | GUI-based uninstall may miss core components |
Now let’s explore how to tackle these issues effectively.
Method 1: Use Windows Settings to Uninstall – Success Rate: ~30%
This is the most basic method users try first.
✅ Steps:
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings - Go to Apps > Installed Apps
- Search for Dahua SmartPSS
- Click Uninstall and follow on-screen instructions
🛠️ Why It Works:
Removes the main application interface but often fails to delete hidden drivers or background services.
Method 2: Use Control Panel Uninstaller – Success Rate: ~40%
A slightly deeper method using classic Windows tools.
✅ Steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Go to Programs > Uninstall a program
- Find Dahua SmartPSS, right-click > Uninstall
- Follow prompts to complete uninstallation
🛠️ Why It Works:
Offers a slightly more thorough removal than the modern Settings app but still misses system-level components.
Method 3: Manually Delete Remaining Files & Folders – Success Rate: ~75%
Some files are not deleted due to permission or lock issues.
✅ Steps:
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\DahuaC:\Program Files (x86)\DahuaC:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming\DahuaC:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Dahua
- Delete any folders related to SmartPSS
- If access is denied:
- Take ownership via Properties > Security
- Or boot into Safe Mode before deleting
🛠️ Why It Works:
Ensures no hidden or protected files remain after uninstallation.
Method 4: Stop and Remove Background Services – Success Rate: ~85%
Dahua SmartPSS runs persistent background processes that can prevent full removal.
✅ Steps:
- Press
Win + R, typeservices.msc, and hit Enter - Scroll down and find:
- DHSmartPSS Service
- DHDeviceDiscovery
- Dahua CloudService
- Right-click each service > Stop
- Then go to
C:\Program Files\Dahua\SmartPSS\uninstall.exe - Run uninstall.exe /S to force clean removal
🛠️ Why It Works:
Stops and removes persistent background services that keep the software alive.
Method 5: Clean the Windows Registry – Success Rate: ~60%
Leftover registry entries can cause errors or interfere with future installations.
✅ Steps:
- Use a trusted registry cleaner like CCleaner or Wise Registry Cleaner
- Run a scan and select all Dahua SmartPSS-related entries
- Backup the registry first (highly recommended)
- Delete selected entries
⚠️ Caution:
Always back up the registry before editing manually.
Method 6: Use Revo Uninstaller (Free/Paid) – Success Rate: ~95%
Revo Uninstaller scans for leftovers after uninstallation and removes them safely.
✅ Steps:
- Download and install Revo Uninstaller
- Launch the app and find Dahua SmartPSS
- Select Uninstall
- After uninstall completes, run an Advanced Scan to remove residual files, folders, and registry keys
🛠️ Why It Works:
Combines forced uninstall with deep scanning to eliminate stubborn remnants like registry keys and hidden plugin files.
✅ Summary Table: Dahua SmartPSS Uninstall Methods & Success Rates
| Method | Success Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🖥️ Use Windows Settings | ~30% | Quick partial removal |
| 📦 Use Control Panel Uninstaller | ~40% | Slightly deeper GUI-based removal |
| 📁 Manual File Deletion | ~75% | Cleaning up leftover folders |
| ⚙️ Stop & Remove Services | ~85% | Removing background processes |
| 🧹 Registry Cleanup | ~60% | Fixing system errors from leftover keys |
| 🔍 Use Revo Uninstaller | ~95% | Removing all traces automatically |
Conclusion: Achieve a Clean Dahua SmartPSS Removal
Fully uninstalling Dahua SmartPSS requires more than just removing it from the app list. By combining multiple methods — especially the Revo Uninstaller and manual service cleanup — you can ensure your system is truly free of its components.
For best results:
- Start with the Revo Uninstaller
- Then stop and remove background services
- Manually check for remaining files or registry entries
- Optionally, use Safe Mode if files are locked
With these steps, you’ll be ready to switch to another VMS solution like iVMS-4200, EZVIZ Studio, or perform a fresh installation without conflicts or performance issues.
📌 Pro Tip: Save this article for future reference or share it with friends who are struggling with Dahua SmartPSS removal. Want a downloadable checklist or need help automating some of these steps via PowerShell scripts? Feel free to ask!