PC utilities forum: uninstalling System Mechanic

I'd been using System Mechanic 7 on a Dell Dimension 4600 Windows XP for more than a year and downloading updates up to 7.5 when something happened (installation of conflicting software? I'm not sure) to make the icon in the Windows system tray at bottom disappear, so I can't access SM that way, nor can I get into it by clicking on the desktop icon -- I get error messages such as "Resource HP_TOOLBAR_BACKGROUND_RIGHT not found" and "Access violation at address 134E74C8 in module 'SysMech7.exe" The program continues to work well enough, but I can't get further updates, nor can I get into the program to change any settings. The thing is now like a runaway train that I can't control. The Iolo tech support is not very helpful. Their web help menu advises in its uninstall instructions that first one should close the Popup Blocker, System Guard, System Health, etc. as well as any scheduled maintenance programs by right-clicking their corresponding icons in the Windows system tray before uninstalling it with the Add/Remove Program in the Windows Control panel. Since the SM icon in the system tray has gone missing, I can't of course do those things. My question is, do I risk damaging my operating system if I just go ahead and use Add/Remove anyway? I'm also wary about having to go into the Registry to delete all traces of the program, since I know the danger of doing that if, like me, you're not a tech geek.

I've read some users' reviews of SysMech on cnet and it seems to have a bad rep. After I get rid of it, does anyone have a recommendation for a better utilities program that does the same kinds of functions that SysMech performs, but without its peculiar problems, and also has good responsive tech support?