Most of us are used to installing an application update over an existing
version of the program. Many of us download and install games and other
software frequently. Frequent installs and other program functioning often
fill up the Temporary File Folder and other installation sites on your hard
drive which prevents downloading and installing new programs. Regularly
running a good unneeded file cleaner/shredder such as Ccleaner (see link
below) will help free up space for new installs.
For many programs in Vista, the old program or buildup of install/uninstall
debris must be completely removed before the update or new program can be
successfully installed and expected to function properly. Download and
installation of programs or updates sometimes fails, leaving broken install
debris. Normal uninstall processes on Vista are usually inadequate, often
leaving program remnant files and orphaned registry entries on your system.
Buildup of this install/uninstall debris can block normal program download
and installation, impair proper program functioning, generate any number of
error messages, and degrade Vista performance.
Complete removal of broken installs and incomplete uninstalls is essential
for normal program install and function processes to occur. You can do this
retroactively, after debris buildup has accumulated to the point of major
computer malfunction, using a good registry scanner/cleaner. It is preferred
to do this proactively, cleaning file remnants and registry entries after
each uninstall, preventing debris buildup. Proactively, you can remove this
install/uninstall debris manually with help from Windows Install CleanUp
Utility or you can use Smarty Uninstaller.
The best way to remove all the remnants of a partially uninstalled program
or a broken install is to use Smarty Uninstaller. This program will scan
your system and list all the programs on your computer, including "broken"
parts of programs. It will then run the program's uninstaller (if present),
and then rescan to list any pieces left on your system. Clicking Cleanup
will then remove all traces of your program and installation of the new or
update program can then proceed normally.
A link to Smarty Uninstaller and other information about install/uninstall
problems can be found at the following tutorial. For information on removing
an empty listing from your Programs and Features, see the second tutorial.
The third and fourth links are to good unneeded file removal and registry
scanner/cleaner programs. If the preceding doesn’t solve your problem, see
the fifth link about your Repair Vista Options; you may need to fix system
file problems.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/87249-unable-install-latest-version-program-vista.html
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/86721-programs-features-remove-uninstall-entry.html
http://www.ccleaner.com/
http://wisecleaner.com/download.html
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/101393-repair-vista-options-preferred-sequence.html
