Most of us are used to installing an application update over an existing
version of the program. However, for many programs in Vista, the old program
must be completely uninstalled before the update or new program can be
successfully installed. Download and installation of programs or updates
sometimes fails, leaving broken install debris. Normal uninstall processes
on Vista are generally inadequate, often leaving program remnant files and
orphaned registry entries on your system. Buildup of this install/uninstall
debris can block normal program 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 install 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 registry scanner/cleaner programs. If
the preceding doesn’t solve your problem, see the fifth link about your
Repair Vista Options.
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