add/remove programs doesn't populate

[bigzguy]

Win 2K Pro--the add/remove programs box doesn't populate and I can't make it go away once opened

[imthedan]

I have the same problem. I have WinXP though.

If by populate you mean the list doesn't show, then yeah, I have the same problem. I can open the window, but it won't show the list of items. I can close the window, but I can't uninstall anything. If I restart in safe mode I can see the list, but I can't uninstall because it says uninstall tool can't be used or something like that.

[Broni]

Go Start>Run, type:
cmd
Click OK.
At Command Prompt, type:
REGSVR32 APPWIZ.CPL
Hit Enter.
Restart computer.

[bigzguy]

Thank you. I followed the instruction but nothing changed. Thanks again

[Broni]

Will it show up in Safe Mode?
Be aware, that sometimes, it takes time for Add\Remove to populate.

[bigzguy]

Once again thank you. In safe mode the box populates albeit more slowly than ever before. I have now restarted in normal mode the list does not populate.

Thanks

[Broni]

Go Start>Run, type in:
regedit
Click OK.

Registry Editor will open.
Go File>Export, and save registry to safe place.

Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
You'll see number of alphanumeric sub-keys.
Click once on each key, and look in right pane.
If you find DisplayIcon name in right pane, right click on it, click Rename
Rename it to XDisplayIcon.
Check all alphanumeric keys.

When done, restart computer.

[bigzguy]

I did that. There were a great many to rename. Nothing has changed however.

I thank you again.

[Broni]

Some program is doing this. Let me do more search.

[Broni]

Go here: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm, and try fix #146 (right pane) -   Add or Remove Programs Restriction -  Undo
It's for XP, but it should work in 2K.

If that would work, we'll have to check your computer for infection.

[bigzguy]

I ran that fix and now I cannot access the add/remove function. I get a message telling it is restricted and to contact my administrator.

I was also pointed to Microsft parge from your website. There I found a link to a download product called revo uninstaller which I can use to uninstall programs. However I don't think I can use it to set program defaults like the windows function does.

Thanks again.

[Broni]

Try Remove Restrictions Tool: http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2007/06/28/restore-task-manager-regedit-and-folder-options-disabled-by-virus/

[bigzguy]

After running that download in safe mode this happened:
In safe mode the add/remove programs opened but only with the set program default options.
In normal running mode I can now open the box but it only has the set program default icon in the left margin and the box no longer populates.

Thank you.

[Broni]

I'm slowly running out of options...
Go Start>Run, and type in:
sfc /scannow
Click OK.
Have Windows CD ready.
If that doesn't help try Windows repair installation.

[bigzguy]

Thanks for the great effort. I cannot locate the reinstallation disk for this computer. I have two but they are for a diferent service pack version of Win 2K. At least I can use the Revo to handle the unistalls.

Thanks again I do appreciate it.