Can't uninstall programs

[shrimply]

hi again yet another problem,lol

 

This time i can't uninstall programs. Well i can't unistall the programs i want to, the annoying thing is that most of them are programs that Installed with the latest MSN messenger upgrade. So its windows stuff.

I get

 

"The system administrator has set policies to prevent this

installation"

I presume there is a easy solution. As always I'm very grateful of any help I get.

[maynardvdm]

Hi

Have you tried in safe mode? Just make sure its not programs windows needs. Are you logged on as admin?

Do you have Norton installed?

[shrimply]

Hi, no I haven't tried running it in safe mode will give it a go.

 

It isn't stuff windows needs, just extra add on programs like "windows live onecare family safety" etc.

 

I am logged on as admin and am not running norton, thanks for the help.

[maynardvdm]

You may encounter this error on Windows Vista machines. To correct it, log in as an administrator and perform the following actions:

 

Click Start

Type "Run" in the search box without the quotes

Click Run in the resulting application list

type "gpedit.msc" without the quotes

Press OK

Select Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrator Templates > Windows Components > Windows Installer

Right Click "Disable Windows Installer" from the list of options in the right hand pane

Select Properties from the context menu

In the resulting window, ensure that "Not Configured" or "Disabled" is selected.

 

Click OK and close the group policy object editor

 

Run the installer again (you may need to restart your computer first). The installer should now work.

 

See if this helps :)

[RandyL]

Hi;

Good points maynard.

It could also mean you have malware.

 

Follow the steps below. After you perform the SUPERantispyware steps go into Super's Preferences>Repairs, and perform the following repair followed by a restart.

Remove Explorer policy restrictions.

 

Malware is the term used to describe computer infections such as Adware, Spyware, Viruses, and Trojan Horses.

You will need to run at least two malware scanners as well as an Antivirus scanner that are listed in the following instructions.

Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus scanners perform different tasks.

The reason to run multiple scanners is to ensure that no single scanner is missing something.

 

The time it takes will vary depending on your system and your internet connection.

Typically the SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes scanners will take between 30 and 90 minutes.

The Eset online scan should take between 1 and 3 hours.

In most cases, these scans will suffice to clean and disinfect your computer.

 

For best results print the following instructions and bookmark this Web page

To keep this guide printer-friendly, use your cursor to highlight the contents below.

From your browser select File - Print and in the printer dialog box under "Print range"

click the Selection choice to print out these instructions for removal of malware.

 

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/printer-selection.gif

• Follow these instructions carefully.
  
• Download ATF-Cleaner from Snapfiles.com to remove "junk" files from your computer that may contain malware.
  
• You can also download it from Majorgeeks.com
  
• When you run ATF-Cleaner, check the items as shown below for Main.
  
• For FireFox, be sure to click on the FireFox tab on top and check the items as shown below for FireFox
  
• NOTE: If you don't have FireFox or Opera installed then they will be grayed out and can be ignored
  
• Then click on "Empty Selected".

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/atf-cleaner01.gif . http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/atf-cleaner02.gif

• Install and run the free version (not the Professional version) of SUPERAntiSpyware from www.superantispyware.com
  • Accept any prompts to allow SUPERAntiSpyware to install the latest rules and infection definition files.
    
  • You do not have to send them your e-mail address, just click next.
    
  • You can leave the automated check for updates on.
    
  • You can uncheck "Send a diagnostic report to research center" if you don't want to send the information.
    
  • DO NOT allow SUPERAntiSpyware to protect your Home Page settings.
    
  • On the Top Left select the Scan your computer button.
    
  • Make sure there is a CHECK MARK on all Fixed Drives.
    
  • Click "Perform a Complete Scan". Click "Next" and reboot the computer when prompted to do so.

• Install and run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from this link.
  
• Malwarebytes - click to directly download the application
  
• Accept all defaults for the installer and then click on the Quick Scan and click Next.
  
• If any items are found allow it to clean them and then Reboot your computer.

• Disable your internet security by right clicking on its icon (usually located in the system tray next to the time display) and choosing "Exit", "Disable", or "Shut Down".
  
• Run an online scan with Eset from http://www.eset.com/onlinescan
  
• You must use Internet Explorer for this online scan. FireFox, Opera, etc will not work for this scan.
  
• Accept the terms and click "Start".
  
• Once the scanner is ready, check "Remove found threats" AND "Scan unwanted applications".
  
• Click "Start" to begin the scan.
  
• When completed restart your computer

Make sure your internet security is enabled, and then please return to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

At that time, you will receive instructions to assist you in removing malicious programs from your Add/Remove program list if warranted.

__________________

[shrimply]

Hi, pretty sure its not malware as I've been keeping on top of it lately, running SAS once a week. I followed all of the above steps a couple of weeks ago. Will go through them again though if you think thats a likely cause.

 

When I type gpedit.msc it tells me windows can't find it.

[maynardvdm]

You have Vista home - Yes.

[shrimply]

Yeah vista home premium

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Have you had a look here Shrimply?

[maynardvdm]

Good link. I just saw the gpedit.msc is not available on vista home. Sorry shrimply i didnt think to ask which version of vista you have. :)

[shrimply]

Its alright,lol

 

Wolfey I had a read through that page before I posted the message but couldn't really find anything that helped.

 

Running some of the malware stuff just now so hopefully that will sort the problem out.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

This is a further link within that site that may provide better information Shrimply, unless you have seen it.

[maynardvdm]

Hi

try switching off "User Account Control" and then right-click on the program and choose "Run as Administrator". Hope this helps

[shrimply]

Hi

try switching off "User Account Control" and then right-click on the program and choose "Run as Administrator". Hope this helps

 

It worked, thanks a lot. Took me a while to sort it out as I didn't think to restart the computer before attempting to uninstall, doh

 

If its not too hard/ technical to explain would you mind telling me why it was only certain programs that couldn't be uninstalled with UAC on.

[maynardvdm]

Good to hear you got it sorted. :)