Uninstaller problems

[Calum]

Hi all.
Today, I found out that I can no longer uninstall programs.
I've tried using Windows Add/Remove programs, CCleaner, clicking "uninstall(program name) in the Start menu, and going into the program's folder and choosing the uninstall program.
Whatever I try to uninstall, it doesn't load.
No errors or anything, just nothing happens.
I've tried a System Restore to a few days ago when I could definitely uninstall things, and it hasn't helped.
In addition, after using System Restore Quicktime Alternative has problems.
As soon as I open it I get a buffer overflow error.  When I press OK, Quicktime closes.
Using genuine Windows XP Pro, SP2, with the latest updates.
Does anyone have any ideas?

[Calum]

I've now noticed that Quicktime Alternative only crashes when the Audio tab on the configuration options is opened.
Don't know if this is important or if the two problems are even licked.

[patio]

If this is XP you're running try Go to Start / Run and type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter...have your XP CD handy as it will ask for it.

patio.  

p.s. Are you running both Quicktime and Quicktime Alternative ? I've read that this can cause problems...

[Calum]

OK, I'll try the system file checker in a few minutes.
No, I'm not running QT and QT Alternative, but I can see how my post would lead you to think that.
Sorry for any confusion.
I did uninstall QT before installing the Alternative, but it now shows up in Add/Remove programs again, not sure why.
Please don't say uninstall it, I tried and it gave me an error message about some msi file not being found.  I used Search to look for it and it's non-existent, even if I check every option so it checks hidden and system folders too.
Thanks for the reply.
BTW, nice to see you back, Patio.

[patio]

OK if you got an msi error message the Windows Installer is possibly corrupt. Believe it or not the installer can affect un-installing.

Travel Here for the package from the mothership.

This may or may not fix the issue but it's worth a shot...

patio.  8-)

p.s. Thanx.

[Calum]

I downloaded and installed that (installed the installer?).
Unfortunately it hasn't helped.
I also tried sfc /scanow.  It didn't prompt me for my Windows CD and didn't do anything but scan.
Quicktime is the only program that gives me an msi error, the others just don't do anything.
I tried reinstalling Quicktime and got the same error.
Any ideas?

[Calum]

The plot thickens.
It seems the only problems I have now, for some reason, is with installing/uninstalling Quicktime, where it gives me an error message, and with the Cyberlink software packages (DVD Solution, PowerProducer, and so on) where nothing happens other than a small flash.  No error message, no uninstallation.
I tried a sample of the other programs installed and the uninstaller worked fine, and they also reinstalled with no problems.  If it's important, I tried CCleaner, Ad-Aware and Spybot.
Strange.

[patio]

One more post and your up to a Grand ! !

Quicktime is a PITA...do you really need it ? ?

patio.  8-)

[Calum]

One more post and your up to a Grand ! !

Quicktime is a PITA...do you really need it ? ?

patio.  8-)

Unfortunately you're a bit late, I'm now at 1001, 1002 when I make this post.
I've gone a bit hyperactive with the posts, I've been making loads recently.
Yay, I'm a Mentor! Lol.  Not that I care about ranks or anything . . .
PITA . . . care to explain?
It's not that I need it, that's why I was using QT Alternative, but now I can't remove it or install it, and it's not there in the Start menu and I can't find it in Program Files or anything.

[Fed]

Could it just be a leftover Quicktime entry in the Add/Remove list?
Ccleaner>Tools>Delete Entry should remove it for you.
First search your computer for 'quicktime', I bet the program is no longer there, maybe just a leftover directory or something.

[patio]

TweakUI for XP is also good for removing dead entries in XP...lots of other stuff to play with as well.

[Calum]

Just an empty folder in application data.
Thanks for that, I'll delete the entry now, that's that solved.
TweakUI is awesome, already have it and use it.
Anyway, that still leaves the problem of being unable to uninstall the Cyberlink programs.
Any ideas on that one?
Edit: spoke too soon - CCleaner says "cannot delete MSI installer".

[Fed]

A few years ago when I was young & silly I played with tweakui, never again.

[Calum]

A few years ago when I was young & silly I played with tweakui, never again.

What happened?

[patio]

Lot's can happen...i hear you Fed.