Microsoft Visual Studio 2012 Pre Clean Tool Download Upd Info
Once you have downloaded the executable, follow these steps to clean your system:
Microsoft no longer hosts VS2012 update files on standard download pages. As of late 2025, all legacy VS2012 update redirects point to a sunset notice. You must retrieve the official VS2012.5.exe via: microsoft visual studio 2012 pre clean tool download upd
Follow this exact sequence to avoid reinstalling Windows: Once you have downloaded the executable, follow these
| Step | Action | Tool/Script |
|------|--------|--------------|
| 1 | Uninstall all VS2012 extensions (especially Resharper, DevExpress). | VS Extension Manager |
| 2 | Run the Pre-Clean script as Administrator. | VS2012PreClean.ps1 |
| 3 | Manually delete %TEMP%\* and C:\Windows\Temp\* (skip in-use files). | File Explorer |
| 4 | Restart Windows (clears locked file handles). | shutdown /r /t 0 |
| 5 | Disable antivirus real-time protection. | Windows Security |
| 6 | Launch VS2012.5.exe with /layout to download fresh bits. | Command line |
| 7 | Run the actual update installer. | VS2012.5.exe | Execute: Click the Cleanup or Uninstall button
There is a widely used tool simply called Visual Studio Uninstaller (SetupCleanup.exe) that is frequently referenced in developer forums. This is excellent for "pre-cleaning" a machine.