Windows XP issues

D3x!

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Hey all,

I need some help, about to go throw a pc onto the highway :mad:

Ok so these peoples pc (who I am helping out, family of a friend) let this retard have access to their pc, now this dude is under the impression that a program is made up of only what is contained in that programs program files directory, so i.e to delete a program he just deletes the program files directory of it :/

So what he has done is delete the anti-virus Mcafee. Now they want me to install the AVG they paid for :/ (yes don't get me started) But it of course won't let you as the PC fells Mcafee is still there

Preferably i would just reinstall the entire pc but they have software running that I cannot get access to firstly the origional installation (lol the dude tells me to just copy the program files directory) and secondly their license.

So I tried running a batch file and msicuu2.exe to remove the mcafee installation however i get an error: Windows Script Host: Can't find script engine "VBScript"......

if I try register vbscript.dll or jscript dll i get this kind of error: "dllregisterserver in vbscript.dll failed return code was:0x80004005"

any suggestions :/
 
And if you go to start, run and type "appwiz.cpl" can still not uninstall it?
 
Hey hey

I sometimes use the Microsoft Fix utility here...

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall

What it fixes...
Removes bad registry key on 64 bit operating systems.
Windows registry keys that control the upgrade (patching) data that become corrupted.
Resolves problems that prevent new programs from being installed.
Resolves problems that prevent programs from being completely uninstalled and blocking new installations and updates.
Use this troubleshooter for an uninstall only if the program fails to uninstall using the windows add/remove programs feature.

Or maybe use the older Windows Installer Cleanup Utility to remove all references of the software... worth a try ?
 
well i am trying to fix windows installer and hit these problems:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSIServer - does not exist

Windows installer does not show up in the services panel

and trying to reinstall gives me an access denied error.
 
http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS101331 :)

Download the removal tool, it'll take everything out.

Summary
You can run the McAfee Consumer Product Removal tool (MCPR.exe) to remove all 2005 - 2012 versions of McAfee consumer products.

Doubt it will work for Enterprise editions.

The MSI is deleted as well, since it was in the Program Files directory most likely. So the best bet would be to reinstall it, then remove.


That was one of my first idea's. But it is a enterprise version of mcafee so all a reinstall did was install a second trial version of it.
You need to Remove the Windows Installer entries first, then reinstall.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Secure-cleaning/Windows-Installer-CleanUp-Utility.shtml
 
guys I appreciate the help but cannot get past fixing windows installer, and also cannot get into the administrator account either.

I just give up, fark this thing
 
I've only had one problem with Windows Installer on XP before and reinstalling Windows Installer solved that problem, rather ironically.

As for the the AVG thing not wanting to install because it's already installed, if you get desperate, you could search the registry for all things regarding the install path (presuming you know what it is or can find out maybe by searching the registry, running the installer on another PC should at least give you the default path and that may be what was used on that PC) and references to the program. I wouldn't use regedit though as it would take ages because it will only do one search at a time, something like Reg Organizer will list multiple results and let you delete them all in one go.

Also a good place to start in the registry for such things is in

Code:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

The list of programs in Control Panel > Uninstall is generated from that part of the registry. Often but not always removing something's entry from there will stop it from thinking it's already installed.


edited because the forum doesn't display this properly
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
 
Last edited:
Hey Hey

Rather than hunt through the registry for the entries, use the MS Windows Installer Cleanup utility. The Microsoft Windows Installer CleanUp Utility will clean the registry of any selected item... install it, then look for any Mcafee entries... highlight these and click the Remove button.

mswicu.jpg


Just be careful of what you select, it can be pretty destructive if used without due diligence. Select / highlight only the Mcafee entries, then reboot, perhaps install and run CCleaner, then give the AVG install another go.

I would also open a command prompt and run sfc /scannow to check all the Windows files, and repair those missing or corrupt.
 
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