Computer Question

[Dan J.]

I have removed several programs on my computer. The desktop icons are gone but the programs are still listed in Add/Remove Programs. When I try to remove the program there I get a message box with " Could not open INSTALL.LOG file. What do I do? I have reinstalled and then removed the programs 2 times and still get the same message.

[J.R.E.]

Dan,

You may want to try removing those programs in "Safe mode". in order to get to safe mode, you need to reboot the computer and press the F-8 key just before windows boots up. If you don't hit the F-8 key at the right time, you will have to reboot until you time it properly. Once in safe mode, go to ADD/REMOVE programs and try removing those programs again.

Good luck !


Ray

[Cliff]

They must still be in your registry file.  If your comfortable with editing your registry file (regit), you can do that.  But it's not recommended because it can really screw up your computer if you delete the wrong file.

[John2038]

Try to create an empty install INSTALL.LOG file.

Also, you might want to download free trial such as Registry Mechanics or Norton Disk Doctor.

Otherwise, you can try the manual approach recommended above.

[Joe K]

Dan,

Since you removed the programs through the add/remove panel, those programs are gone.  The issue is that the add/remove panel isn't reflecting that you have removed those programs but nothing more.  The programs are still gone, so just ignore those listings in the add/remove panel when you see them.  About the only way to adjust the add/remove panel is by using a Microsoft Power Toy called Tweakui, which you can download for free and it has a control panel section that allows you to remove entries in the add/remove panel.

Personally, I'd forget about it, the programs are gone and that is what you wanted.

[cayucosguy]

I second what killfoile has to say.  You know they're gone, so it's not a big deal.

If it really bothers you that they are still listed, go the TweakUI route.  It is much simpler that editing the registry and much less chance of accidentally f'ing up the whole operating system.

I'm a geek for the State of CA, so if you ever need any help, just PM or IM me and I can help you through the steps.

Vince

[Life]

Reformat the hard drive and start over.... 

E

[dgr20002]

I have had this happen too and in my case it was because I deleted the files and or folders using the delete key instead of deleting them using the add remove software thingy that you mention. So what happens when you manually delete stuff with the delete key, is that you delete all the files that include the install logs for those programs and the add remove thingy isn't updated. Then you go back to use the add remove thingy and it thinks they are still there but they are not.

Just don't worry about it.

David

[Life]

Or

buy a new computer and give the bitches staying with you the old one... 

E