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Thread ID: 56709 2005-04-13 07:59:00 Control Panel in Windows XP Kaygee (7876) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
344350 2005-04-13 07:59:00 Hi - I have some items in Add/Remove in Windows XP that are no longer installed/in use but the 'remove' function will not delete them. The message is that there is no valid file name or similar :help: :help: and that the file can not be deleted. I recently read an article describing how you can overcome this but can not locate the article. Can you help - a novice so I need specific details if possible. Thanks. Kaygee (7876)
344351 2005-04-13 08:06:00 You could try this http://www.ccleaner.com install it run it.

Then click on tools/uninstall programs. Select the programs that arent there. Delete.

And then if the folders are in C: /program files delete them. It might complain about stuffing up the registry if folders are still in whatever folder. Delete the folder anyway.

Then go back to ccleaner and select the issues tab and scan for issues. This will pick up invalid registry entries. Then once it has scanned for invalid entries click on fix selected entries.

Say no to backup then fix all selected entries.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
344352 2005-04-13 08:07:00 Hi Kaygee

Have a look at this article: Remove Unruly Applications and Uninstall Entries (hacks.oreilly.com) - it gives advice on how to manually remove those entries. Just be careful because some spyware/malware programs leave entries in the Add/Remove section which cannot be removed. If you are not familiar with these programs it would be wise to scan your computer with either Ad-aware SE and/or Spybot Search & Destroy first.

I'm not sure if there is a program that will remove the unwanted entries for you rather than resorting to a registry hack. Someone might be able to recommend one. :)
Jen (38)
344353 2005-04-13 08:37:00 Clear Unwanted Entries from Add/Remove Programs

In Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel, a list of installed applications is displayed for the purpose of easy removal. Unfortunately, but there is no obvious method for removing these entries (either to prevent accidental removal, or if the application was removed some other way) without uninstalling the programs. To remove an entry, do the following:

* Run the Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE).
* Open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Uninstall, and remove any unwanted keys under "Uninstall."
pctek (84)
344354 2005-04-14 04:41:00 Thanks for the help on this - pctek, Jen, Speedy Gonzales.
I have read the suggested article and had a first peep into the registry files and have found some entries for the ones I want removed.
Heard about the care needed in the registry so will have a try at removal in a day or two when no time restraints and wide awake. Looks like this should solve it. Thanks once more. Kaygee.
Kaygee (7876)
344355 2005-04-14 05:28:00 back up your registry before you make any changes Prescott (11)
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