Add or Remove Software

[JohnD]

I want to install the latest version of Ad-Aware. The install program wants
to uninstall the previous version first, but it can't because up comes a
message that says: "The feature you are trying to use is on a network
resource that is unavailable. Click OK to try again or enter an alternate
path to a folder containing WISDED53BPBB67C4244AE6ADSFD3C28D1EF_7_C in the
box below.

This box contains " c:\Program Files\Common Files\Wise Installation Wizard
....."

I checked that path and the file is there.

I tried deleting AD-Aware using control panel's ADD or Renove. Same result.
I found the file on another PC and copied it over. (I know it was the same
file because I got the "...already exists, do you want to overwrite.....?)
message.

Tried the install again - same message. Tried Add or Remove again. Same
message.

Tried removing the program from the registry using Jv16 Power tools and that
program no longer lists it, but it still lists in Add or Remove Software, and
attempting having the Ad-Aware install program remove it and trying to remove
it via Add or Remove in the control Panel still fails with the same message.

Other programs listed in Add or Remove in control panel, do get deleted when
I select "remove."

Anybody got any ideas about this and how to overcome it?

Thanks.

 

[Ron Badour]

I don't know what kind of an installer the old versions of Ad-Aware used;
however, I note that the error message has a reference to: Wise
Installation Wizard. Check for that folder as well as an AdAware program
folder and see if either one contains a file named: unwise.exe. Wise.exe
was an installation file and unwise.exe was the uninstall file. If you find
it, double click and see if that will uninstall Ad-Aware. This is just a
guess as I don't have any version of Ad-Aware installed.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

 

[JohnD]

I find a program called UNWISE.EXE in various program file folders, but not
in either the Ad-Aware folder or the Wise Installation Wizard folder.

I forgot to mention that there is an uninstall option in the main Ad-Aware
group, but that brings up the same message as all my other attempts.

What I really seem to need is a way to forcibly uninstall a program against
its will (or against Windows' will)!

Thanks for the suggestions, though.

 

[Ron Badour]

Rats, that would have been too easy. MS has a cleaning program that deals
with uninstall problems--you might want to read about it and give it a shot:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

Be sure to post back if this works or you find another solution.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

 

[Kenneth]

I had tremendous problems getting rid of Ad-Aware 2007. Firstly, open up
Services.msc and find the Ad-Aware 2007 Service. From memory, it's aaw.exe
( I think ). Disable it, and try to uninstall again. If necessary, use
Windows Installer Cleanup Utility.

 

[JohnD]

Thanks, the Windows Installer Cleanup did the job!

 

[JohnD]

Thanks, the Windows Installer Cleanup did the job!