removing programs

Santa brought me a new computer, so I'm deleting/uninstalling/removing many programs from my old computer to give to my son. It's running Windows XP. For ex. I was removing Microsoft Home Publishing -- a very large program and it won't remove it (after I go through the add/remove programs icon). It runs a few minutes and then stops and says it can't remove it. The error message I get is "Set is unable to register tasks ". This isn't the only one doing this. Microsoft Picture It, MSN Messnger are other examples. Any ideas? Thanks!
Vicki

(I wasn't sure about the category for this--)

 

Cards, That's an all too common problem it seems. I have had the same experience on several occasions. I think it's due to being too aggressive when using some housecleaning programs. They often offer to delete all "Log" files to free up space. I suspect that causes the uninstall tool of some programs to stumble because it can't find where the various components of the program were installed. I think that info is in those log files.

Anway, now you must do it the old fashioned way. Delete them manually and then do a Registry search for any remaining references to them. Do it in Safe Mode if Windows gives you any argument. Clear out any entries in the start up folder that pertain. Using that method will get most of the orphans.

If it becomes an overwhelming task, wipe the drive clean and do a new install.

Good luck.

 

Hello Cards,

On the occasions that I've had to do it the "old fashoined" way, reg cleaners came in handy, they do a lot of the work for you.

RegSeeker is a one of the best of them and it's free http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm

Regards - Charles

 

thanks!

Thank you.. I'll give it a try!