WinXP - Add/Remove Program error

zhen_rogue

I have a listing in my 'add/remove' programs list for an old game that is no longer on my system.
However, when I try to uninstall, it gives me an 'install shield' error window and reports that it is now forced to close.

I don't have any of the game files left on my hard drive, but the add/remove programs list reports the installation size as 1.6 mb (the original install was probably 500-600mb).

Previously, when i'd attempt to uninstall a game or program from the 'add/remove programs' window that was no longer on the system, it would report as such and ask if i wanted to simply remove the erroneous entry from the installed programs list.
However, that's not the case here.

Is there any way I can finish purging my system of this entry?

Thanks in advance for advice.

Tav

I had this problem with several entries in the list, any whenever I try to uninstall them, the computer tries to install them or gives me an error. Any help would also be much appreciated.

MayGodHaveMercy

I've had that happen several times, back when I didn't know what I was doing, and just threw programs in the trash can. Did you delete any of the program files manually before running the uninstaller?

zhen_rogue

MayGodHaveMercy wrote: »

I've had that happen several times, back when I didn't know what I was doing, and just threw programs in the trash can. Did you delete any of the program files manually before running the uninstaller?

The problem (thinking back) was this:
I uninstalled the game using the game's own uninstaller in the game directory.
Then, a day later I had to perform a windows XP system restore for unrelated reasons (f thee, service pack 3!).
Now, the system restore has restored the 'add/remove programs' entry, but obviously the hard drive data and registry entries are gone.

Maybe I need to re-install the game and then un-install?

Oz K. Fodrotski

If you've already uninstalled, and only a residual bit of the program is left (the 1.6 megabytes, as you mentioned), you may want to simply delete the program folder, and then remove the entry from Add/Remove Programs. There's a brief explanation here.

I also advise using CCleaner to clear up any loose ends left by sub-par uninstallers.

Edit: I guess CCleaner also has an option to remove Add/Remove Programs entries.

zhen_rogue

Oz K. Fodrotski wrote: »

If you've already uninstalled, and only a residual bit of the program is left (the 1.6 megabytes, as you mentioned), you may want to simply delete the program folder, and then remove the entry from Add/Remove Programs. There's a brief explanation here.

I also advise using CCleaner to clear up any loose ends left by sub-par uninstallers.

Edit: I guess CCleaner also has an option to remove Add/Remove Programs entries.

Using regedit to delete the uninstall subkey worked - thanks for the link in your first paragraph!