How do you remove unneeded EXE. file in windows 98

I searched bbs topics related to my problem but cant seem to apply any of solutions to my problem. I partially installed some driver files for a pctel modem.

As I was installing the drivers for this modem, some of files could not be found, ptsnoop.exe was one of others, so I clicked cancel. Not satisfied with driver incomplete install ,I went to control panel, then modems, than remove that modem I was trying to install.

The error message starts with "cannot find the file 'ptsnoop.exe' for one of ....." My guess is that removing modem in control panel does not uninstall the drivers correctly.

My goal right now is to prevent that error message. 2) learn how I could have properly uninstalled that modem or any modem in general, when one does not have an install disk. I have win98SE. Also tried to check msconfig from start,run, command, msconfig and get bad command or file name.
I mention this because one post suggested using msconfig as possible solution. Frank

 

Hi Frank

re: ptsnoop.exe

if this file couldn't be found when you tried installing the modem, it probably won't have copied onto your hard drive

thus, little surprise that it cannot be found when you try uninstalling

you could perhaps confirm this by using File finder (Start > Find > Files&Folders) to look for ptsnoop.exe

from what you say, I'd guess that it won't be there. Of course, this begs the question: whether any other files / relics remain...

==

re: getting the uninstaller to work properly

I'd try installing again, to see if I could persuade the install to finish properly

if the install can be persuaded to complete, there's a far greater chance that the uninstaller will work properly.

most times when I've been trying to install a driver and it's complained that it can't find a file, it's because it's looking in the wrong place.

if you can get a situation where you are offered a drop-down box showing the location it's trying to look for the file, try looking down that list (and also up too, if the up arrow works - easy to miss this!)

==

re: msconfig

try:
Start > Run > msconfig

(i.e. simply type msconfig into the Run... box; same as you were doing only leaving out the command step)

If that doesn't work, you could try:
Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information
...and then from the Tools menu, choose "System Configuration Utility "

best wishes, HJ.

 

Immediate problem solved

Thanks! HJ,

You helped me a lot with that annoying problem. Once I was able to get into msconfig, I opened up the winini at startup, and there was ptsnoop checked to start. I unchecked it and the problem was resolved. Im going to open new thread to implement the steps or step you suggested in the first part of your post. I thought i had posted already but I guess it did not go through. At any rate Thank! You! very much. Frank

 

glad to be some help

I have a Win98SE driver for a PCTel modem, but not here (it's on a relative's PC) - I will be going there later this week (Weds/Thurs) and will try to bring back a copy (am not sure that it's precisely the same chipset, but surely worth a try)(of course, with luck you may well have it all sorted by then!).

Something which might help: When you boot the computer (before the OS loads) you may see a list something like this; if you can see an entry with "114D" or "13F6" in the vendor ID column, please note down what you see in the device ID column & post back the result.

hint: have your finger ready on the "Pause" key, which (most machines) will stop it scrolling "Un-pause" using the <return> key.

best wishes, HJ