The area in the registry that controls the information in Add\Remove programs is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWAR
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How do I Control Panel's Add/Remove information about a uninstall that has gone bad?
Hi, I use the Add/Remove program to uninstall my C# application on a Win2K server. I think my custom installation was messed up. Now, when I tried to install the application again, it complains that it is already installed. I check the hard drive installed folder and all the files have been deleted. I then tried using the Add/Remove program, which shows my application is avaible for uninstalled. I clicked to remove the program and an error dialog pops up saying:
The feature you're trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable. Click OK to try again or enter an alternate path to a folder containing the installation package 'xxxxxx.msi' in the box below.
I then use the Browse button to point to my development's setup project's release folder where the msi exsts(since the installed diretory files are all deleted), and click OK again. Granted, this .msi file is now different from the original .msi file but it's part of a new installation package. I then get another pop-up dialog saying:
The file 'xxxxx.msi' is not a valid installation package for the product. Try to find the installation package 'xxxx.msi' in a folder from which you can install.
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Answers
Hi, I did delete from the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWAR
But, my applicaiton is still showing up in the Add/Remove program, but the Remove button and the Cancel button are both now grey out, diabled. I'm doing a serach in Regedit32 for the same GUID but it's still hanging.
lapucca, I think deleting the GUID under uninstall has limited the ability to further troubleshoot the issue. Anyhow, best thing to do now is to change the PRODUCT CODE in your new package, so that it doesnt prompt stating that its already installed. Its the feasible solution apart from another recommendation which I would have proposed is to use the MSIClean utility for which you need the GUID under the Uninstall key in the registry. Cheers.
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by: dud386Posted on 2008-01-14 at 12:53:02ID: 20656652
To help you get the product off of the add/remove page; you may try downloading CCleaner (www.ccleaner.com). With this program you can delete the entry from the Programs list under Add/Remove programs. Dont worry, this program is free and does not have spyware or adware.
1. Once you install it, run it and click on 'Tools' on the left hand side, you should see your list of programs
2. Select the program you installed, and click 'Delete Entry', this will remove it from the Add/Remove Programs list.
3. Click on 'Registry' on the left hand side, and click 'Scan for Issues'. This is to clean up any remaining registry entries it may have left behind.
4. Once the scan is complete click 'Fix selected issues'
5. Now try and reinstall your software!
Good luck.