Resolved "This patch package could not be opened" trying to uninstall adobe reader

Have been trying to uninstall Adobe Reader for a week now but keep getting error message;-

'This patch package could not be opened.Verify that the patch package extists and that you can contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid Windows installer patch package'

Have been into regedit and deleted the Hkey entry but it is still in my list of programmes in the control panel.

I have now downloaded Foxit and find it great so want to rid my computer of anything to do with Adobe as I have had a load of trouble with this product.

Be grateful of any help tried the Adobe site but they just keep telling me to uninstall it and reinstall it which of course I cannot do due to the Patch Package message!!!!

 

Hello Snowdrop.
I am waiting for a response to Tony's suggestion, before I stck my 2 cents worth in here.

 

Hi Tony have tried doing that but it won't let me keeps saying 'this product is already installed'

Thank you anyway.

 

Hi Goddez will be grateful of any help on this matter.

 

Hi Snowdrop,
This is the post you will need that includes sublinks so you can download cleaner and get to Adobe.com for latest version:
http://forums.adobe.com/message/4530742

The error that your getting is really more Microsoft installer error so it may help to use the windows installer cleanup utility:
This link leads to sub links which will send you to major geek to get the Microsoft cleanup utility. When installed you will see a link or icon in your startmenu>all programs, run it. you will get a a list of programs the installer installed. It is only the adobe reader links you are interested in uninstalling. use only for those.

After that if all went well, you can then follow sub link, also provided in the post, to Adobe.com to get latest reader for your computer. If satisfied with foxit, You still may need to install this, to properly and cleanly, uninstall it.

Found a tool or app , provided by Adobe.com, specifically designed to remove registry keys involving adobe reader product:
http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/acrobatcleaner.html

Failing that you may need to take the additional step of cleaning up the registry hkeys involving the reader. Depending upon your version of reader the exact hkeys may vary. I am aware that these keys are for version 8 and current version is 10. Therefore the numbers and keys may not be there but it is worth a look-see. Just remember to take take appropriate steps to either backup registry or export the hkeys involved before editing the registry. That said here is the hkeys:
(according to Adobe.com).......
clean appropriate registry keys:
http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/error-1635-patch-package-not.html

Fingers crossed for you and I am awaiting news of outcome. Good luck.

 

Hi Goddez1 and a big MWAHHHxxx only gone and done it!! yippee! I have been struggling with this for a fortnight.Tried the first link but could only remove it if I paid.So thought i would try this one next:-http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/acrobatcleaner.html and that did it with no trouble at all.

I am extremely grateful to you and thank you so much.

Marlene.x

 

Yahoo, Your most welcome Snowdrop and I am glad to have helped. Thank you for the update "AND "! remembering to mark this post as "resolved ".

That link for "Microsoft cleanup utility" should have been free but 'Major Geek" download links can be confusing for some. If not careful, you wind up downloading the wrong thing, usually a registry cleaner of some type. Just double checked and as I thought, the very first thing you see or notice is for a registry/system cleaner of some type. The links for MS Installer cleanup are to the right of the program/tool listed under "download locations." Further more the download will be named "msicuu2.exe ". Point however is mute as I am sure the tool provided by adobe is far more appropriate and accurate.