Defender - can't unimstall old version

[Guest]

When I try to install the latest version, it hangs up trying to uninstall the
old version. The older .msi file is missing. Any suggestions? I can't even
install Norton 2007 now because of this.

 

[Bill Sanderson MVP]

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=931849

Check out the steps in this article--particularly step2.

 

[Guest]

I have the same problem. The linked article doesn't help because it assumes
one can remove Defender using add/remove, but without the .msi file this is
not possible.What we need is a replacement .msi file.

 

[Guest]

I have now found a way round this problem. I can't guarantee that it will
work for everyone.
In Windows explorer, navigate to C:\Program Files\Windows Installer Clean Up
and run the program msicuu.exe. A box will open with a list of programs
installed with Windows Installer. Scroll down to Windows Defender and select
it. Then click Remove then OK. It should now be possible to run the new
downloaded WindowsDefender.msi

 

[Bill Sanderson MVP]

Which is, of course, part of what step2 that I highlighted above, in that
article, recommends.

Observers--please read the original KB article and do the steps in order--if
a lesser remedy works, there are fewer side effects. Additionally, note
that the Windows Installer Clean Up tool is downloadable Microsoft software,
not something which comes with Windows--so it won't be on most machines. I
believe the link to the download is in the KB article.

--

 

[Guest]

Thanks Bill.
I somehow missed it when I read through the article you posted and ended up
at article 290301 by another route. I obviously didn't read it thoroughly
enough. Sorry about that.
Thanks again.
Regards,
John.

 

[Bill Sanderson MVP]

No problem--That's why I prefer simple advice and simple articles to the
everything and the kitchen sink approach--it's pretty easy for the eyes to
glaze over and miss the essential step. (and obviously, that article missed
the mark!)

 

[Guest]

When I try to install the latest version, it hangs up trying to uninstall the
old version. The older .msi file is missing. Any suggestions? I can't even
install Norton 2007 now because of this.

Hi,
I have the same problem, but the suggested solutions do not work, because
that the Defender is not on the list of programs on the Cleanup utility. Is
it not possible to get a list of downloadable .msi files so that this
predicament can be resolved.
Or editing the registry????
Regards
Hans-Henrik