Mike Reed
asked on
KB2464588 breaks PPT 2003 - uninstall via script?
Hi All,
I have hundreds of computers that I need to uninstall a MS Security Update (KB2464588) because it prevents Powerpoint 2003 users from opening some of their PPT files.
There is a [Remove] button listed next to it under Add/Remove Programs, so I am hopeful that means it can be uninstalled. But obviously it's not practical to do this on hundreds of PCs. I searched the registry for "KB2464588" and found the reg values related to this update. But, the value named UNINSTALLABLE has a value of 1, which would make me believe it cannot be uninstalled. Good old Microsoft - one tool says it can be uninstalled, another suggests not.
TIA,
-Mike
I have hundreds of computers that I need to uninstall a MS Security Update (KB2464588) because it prevents Powerpoint 2003 users from opening some of their PPT files.
There is a [Remove] button listed next to it under Add/Remove Programs, so I am hopeful that means it can be uninstalled. But obviously it's not practical to do this on hundreds of PCs. I searched the registry for "KB2464588" and found the reg values related to this update. But, the value named UNINSTALLABLE has a value of 1, which would make me believe it cannot be uninstalled. Good old Microsoft - one tool says it can be uninstalled, another suggests not.
TIA,
-Mike
I think the uninstallable = 1 registry key is only due to the fact that is a security update, but didn´t try to change it to 0 value.
ASKER
For my first customer that was affected by this Microsoft mess, I had to instruct their users how to remove this security update using Add/Remove programs since I could not automate it. I even called Microsoft's "PC Safety" dept that is listed in the KB article - they are totally clueless and useless. After calling them, I was told to use "MSIEXEC.exe /X <path\file name of update.exe>". I tried it, but it prompted "Do you really want to uninstall this update?". So much for an unattended uninstall :( Then MS emailed back to add /PASSIVE parameter. That hides the dialog/prompt, but msiexec remains running and stalls (waiting, no doubt, for a user to respond). Microsoft is so freaking clueless at times!
I suggest you add /? parameter to .exe and to msiexec.exe
Then you find a lot more parameters.
Be patient - it creates system restore point.
Then you find a lot more parameters.
Be patient - it creates system restore point.
ASKER
I already tried the typical /passive, /qn etc. params with msiexec (in addition to the /x param needed for uninstalling). Bottom line, I think their uninstaller will always prompt to confirm removal.
This security update's EXEcutable lists the following command line options when run with /?:
/Q -- Quiet modes for package
/T:<full path> -- Specifies temp working folder
/C: -- Extract files only to the folder when used also with /T
/C:<Cmd> -- Override Install Command defined by author
Called MS again, and after an hour they are still clueless :(
This security update's EXEcutable lists the following command line options when run with /?:
/Q -- Quiet modes for package
/T:<full path> -- Specifies temp working folder
/C: -- Extract files only to the folder when used also with /T
/C:<Cmd> -- Override Install Command defined by author
Called MS again, and after an hour they are still clueless :(
I am not surprised why microsoft support is pay-per-incident....
Use a bit of common sense - extract update and check command line parameters of update.exe ....
C'mon....
Use a bit of common sense - extract update and check command line parameters of update.exe ....
C'mon....
ASKER
"C'mon". Why post such a useless comment? If you know something, share it. That's the purpose of these forums. We are not all experts in everything. The point is to share with one another.
PLEASE, if you have nothing useful to share, DON'T!!!!
PLEASE, if you have nothing useful to share, DON'T!!!!
ASKER
When I extract the hotfix's EXE, there are 4 files:
1) ohotfix.exe
2) ohotfix.ini
3) ohotfixr.dll
4) powerpnt.msp
Running "ohotfix /?" displays an error "An error occurred while obtaining the settings. The update cannot be applied". So much for maintaining consistency with command line switches :(
ohotfix.ini has no hints of any uninstall options.
So I called MS again and now got routed to their "Pro Support" group, where I hope somebody has half a brain. Have to wait for a call back within the next 8 hrs.
1) ohotfix.exe
2) ohotfix.ini
3) ohotfixr.dll
4) powerpnt.msp
Running "ohotfix /?" displays an error "An error occurred while obtaining the settings. The update cannot be applied". So much for maintaining consistency with command line switches :(
ohotfix.ini has no hints of any uninstall options.
So I called MS again and now got routed to their "Pro Support" group, where I hope somebody has half a brain. Have to wait for a call back within the next 8 hrs.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
Answer provided by Microsoft Professional Support group.
Mike, you said offered a VBS script that will list the Office 2003 product code. Any chance you can post it? How can I gain access to it. Please advice.
Highly appreciative of you time and solution.
Highly appreciative of you time and solution.
I´ve had the same issue with this *** security update. Note that if you try to uninstall it, at least using GUI, it prompts you to set the path to find a file,(just can´t remember the name..., I only remember it was a .cab), so you may need the office CD,(or the installation files), to be mapped.
In my case, trying to do the uninstall process using a remote connection, failed using the CD in my workstation,the uninstall process started, and then hangs (I didn´t try putting the CD in the failing workstation, i guess should work if you use a mapped drive containing that file, in the automatic way you are looking for).