Author Topic: Microsoft Essentials: cannot uninstall to install (Read 12778 times)

wtl1 · « **on:** May 01, 2013, 11:38:02 am »

Microsoft Community hasn't helped with this. Perhaps Tweaking ...

I've tried several time to install Windows Essentials 2012 so I can use Photo Gallery. Download link here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/photo-gallery-get-started

My computer says WE is already installed. See attached. Yet ... I cannot find it anywhere and, therefore, cannot use it. In Control Panel / Programs & Features, Windows Essentials is not listed. It's also not listed by uninstall software (Revo Uninstaller Pro).

How do I uninstall a program (ME) that's 'not there' so I can install it? Alternatively, how can I find what the computer thinks is the installed program?

Thanks for the help.

Shane · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2013, 01:28:55 pm »

It has to be seeing something to make it think it is already installed. A regkey or certain file perhaps?

If you do a search in the registry under hkey local machine for Essentials, do you pull up anything?

Shane

wtl1 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2013, 04:28:20 pm »

Yes indeed. Found 'windows live' in three places. See attached registry pics.

Is uninstalling what needs to be uninstalled as 'easy' as deleting the 'branches'? Registry backup before, of course.

wtl1 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2013, 11:27:58 pm »

link for the uninstall of Windows Live Essentials

http://g.live.com/1rewlive4arp/wlarp.exe

Shane · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2013, 11:50:19 am »

Ah I bet it is stuck in msi.

Use this tool and see if it shows up in the list, if it does use the tool to remove it

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Secure-cleaning/Windows-Installer-CleanUp-Utility.shtml

Shane

wtl1 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2013, 02:51:36 pm »

Thanks. Again. The WE uninstall link did the trick. Meanwhile, however ...

having the same there/not-there issue with MS Security Essentials. [Should rename these postings 'Essential Errors'.] Will try the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility on that gem.

P.S. What are the graduation requirements for a 'Newbie' and what's the next level? Hope it's not 'Newbie II'

Shane · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2013, 10:57:26 am »

Glad that tool did the trick. it has worked perfectly for any program that wont install because it thinks it already is, or when you get those dumb MSI pop ups that it is replacing files.

As for the ranks on the forums, I just left them the defaults. Here is the ranks and number of post to get to each currently

Shane