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General discussion

Won't let me remove programs!

Feb 20, 2004 6:38AM PST

i have a bunch of programs on my computer that just cant be removed. They always say something like a file is missing when i try to uninstall. One of these messages is: An installation support file could not be
installed The system cannot find the file specified

Discussion is locked

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Re:Won't let me remove programs!
Feb 20, 2004 6:58AM PST

Which is why we have programs like Tweakui, Regcleaner and others to delete such entries in the Add/Remove Programs list.

Bob

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Poopsmith, Which Programs on Which Computer Operating System?
Feb 20, 2004 7:37AM PST

Although not always available, if you give us the names of the programs, sometimes there are "manual" removal instructions.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re:Won't let me remove programs!
Feb 22, 2004 4:00AM PST

Hey Poop,

While you don't tell us the apps or your OS (both of which would help), let me suggest that you might try reinstalling the app then immediately uninstalling it - and immediately reboot to insure that all the temporary files are properly purged.

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Re:Won't let me remove programs!
Feb 22, 2004 6:22PM PST

I ran into this same problem and used this solution.
I went into the CNET download.com section and installed ADD REMOVE PLUS 2004 for the free 30 day trial. This application hopefully works with your OS. Below is taken from its description.
You can find it under the path:
CNET DOWNLOAD WINDOWS UTILITIES UNINSTALLERS

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Add/Remove Plus 2004 also helps you maintain a cleaner computer and registry. The ability to display programs that have a missing or bad uninstaller can help the user locate programs that don't longer work because they may have been partially deleted or corrupted.
You can also print or export a report with the list of installed programs, helping you to keep only authorized and useful software.

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Good Luck... Ken