Uninstaller AWOL

[TrayShadix]

Every program on my Add/Remove program list gives the error that it might already be uninstalled. Even Firefox. Which I am currently USING. Any ideas what causes this glitch?

[cryhelp]

I had similar problem after removing a program and then deleting residue from search.  Messed up my registry.  You can take a look at : www.support.microsoft.com/kb/141697,  But I would stay out of the registry unless you have experience with it.  Patio, Broni or some of the other really smart guys will drop by sooner or later so be patient and good luck.

[Broni]

http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,33586.html

[TrayShadix]

My apologies for not being more thorough, Broni. 

Operating System: Windows Vista, Home Premium, ServicePack-1 Installed

Error Message: "An error occurred while trying to uninstall [insert program name]. It may have already been uninstalled. Would you like to remove [insert program name] from the Programs and Features list?"

NOTE: Even if I click yes, it does nothing. Not that I'd want to click yes...because the programs are still there.

Manufacturer: HP Model M9100T, 3GBRAM, Intel Core 2 Duo.

Much like CryHelp, I recently removed a few pieces of residue from an incompatible webcam. Unfortunately, my system restore deleted the restore points from before this change when I installed Service Pack 1.

[Broni]

Go Start, and in Start Search type:
regedit
Hit Enter.

Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\Uninstall
and see, if Uninstall folder exist, and if so, if it has any programs listed there.

[TrayShadix]

Yep. It's still there; chock full of stuff, too. Seems to be well enough in order, but obviously it's not.

[Broni]

Try Windows Installer CleanUp Utility: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301
Read manual on that page.

[TrayShadix]

I don't understand how this is suppose to help my problem...unless there's a specific piece of the manual that I've overlooked.

For one, there's nothing that I WANT uninstalled yet...I simply doesn't have the ability to do so if I want to. Also, all of these programs still exist as a whole so removing the installer from Add/Remove Programs wounldn't be beneficial either.

All I want is for my Uninstaller utility to work property...

I apologize if I've overlooked something...It's late and I'm frustrated.

ADDED NOTE: Even when I use the Installer CleanUp utility - MOST of the programs on my computer don't even adorn the list...just the ones that were there when I got the computer form the factory and a few games.

[TrayShadix]

I think the main problem is that the Programs and Features folder where the Uninstall option is located refuses to be aware of the files allowing alteration (and uninstallation) of every program. I'm not sure what causes that problem but I can uninstall programs just fine if I manually locate their uninstaller. If worse comes to worse I know I can delete things manually but it's just a hassle having a main section of my computer be broken...

[programming_pat]

try out ccleaner to clean your registry, and your hdd. www.ccleaner.com

[TrayShadix]

Removed a pretty great deal of stuff, backed up just in case, of course, but aside from a gig of free space it gained deleting my temps there's no change to the system or problem at all. Sorry.

[Broni]

Download, and install the latest Windows installer: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/893803

[programming_pat]

okay.. so using the registry component of ccleaner didnt fix your problem. did broni's suggestion help @ all

[cryhelp]

If all else fails take a look at:  http://www.revouninstaller.com/  I don,t even bother  with Add/Remove anymore cause it always seems to leave residue scattered everywhere.

[Broni]

If all else fails take a look at:  http://www.revouninstaller.com/

Excellent program, but the computer in question has some issues.