Guest Capt K Ripendran Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. The 14" Monitor is a HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from Windows Update website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I removed it from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my dismay, I found that ALL other listed programs had simply disappeared - but NOT the programs themselves! What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the list? Thanking you Capt K Ripendran
Guest Brian A. Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs You could try a registry restore. Reboot the machine. Press DEL or continually tapping the F8 key immediately after boot, this will bring up the startup menu. Select from the list DOS Prompt only. At the prompt type: scanreg /restore ** Note the space before /. Select a date prior to the issue. Follow the prompts. Reboot when finished restoring the registry. -- Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User } Conflicts start where information lacks. http://basconotw.mvps.org/ Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375 "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. The 14" Monitor >is a > HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. > > I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from Windows Update > website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I removed it > from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my dismay, I found > that ALL other listed programs had simply disappeared - but NOT the programs > themselves! > > What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the list? > Thanking you > Capt K Ripendran > > >
Guest glee Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy *just prior* to the advent of the issue, if it is only a few days old, as it may or may not bring back then list, but it may well disappear again if the original cause is not fixed. BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor (Start>Run>regedit), navigate to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, one for each installed program, plus more. If they are there, you need to export the entire Uninstall key to a text file, to be examined for the possible cause of the problem. Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, click the Registry menu> Export. Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something like "Uninstall.txt" (including the quotes), and save as a text file rather than as a .reg file. If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to try and get back to when it was still available, and then export the Uninstall key for examination and possible repair. The usual cause of the issue is described here: All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove Programs Tool http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the list, and the key, not just the offending program....and there may be more than one offending program entry. If the only backup you have that may contain a viable Uninstall key is too old to risk restoring, it is possible to extract an old registry copy from one of the old backups without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, later. Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ways, and I'll give you an email address to send it to me for possible repair....unless you want to do it yourself. If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has repaired literally dozens (or more) of these. -- Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ http://dts-l.org/ http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. The 14" Monitor >is a > HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. > > I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from Windows Update > website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I removed it > from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my dismay, I found > that ALL other listed programs had simply disappeared - but NOT the programs > themselves! > > What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the list? > Thanking you > Capt K Ripendran > > >
Guest Capt K Ripendran Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the recent five days and not beyond! As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo Messenger under the Uninstall key and no other program. I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the cause must be due to a different reason as I had NO program with over 63 characters in the list of programs! So, I cannot apply the Resolution suggested. And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a viable copy of the Uninstall key for repair - if you would kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can make an attempt to repair it! By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting there is "One-touch Multimedia Keyboard" which I had reinstalled - all others have disappeared! Thanking you Capt K Ripendran "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy *just prior* > to the advent of the issue, if it is only a few days old, as it may or may > not bring back then list, but it may well disappear again if the original > cause is not fixed. > > BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor > (Start>Run>regedit), navigate to this key: > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall > > There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, one for each > installed program, plus more. If they are there, you need to export the > entire Uninstall key to a text file, to be examined for the possible cause > of the problem. > > Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, click the > Registry menu> Export. > Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something like > "Uninstall.txt" (including the quotes), and save as a text file rather > than as a .reg file. > > If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to try and get > back to when it was still available, and then export the Uninstall key for > examination and possible repair. > > The usual cause of the issue is described here: > All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove Programs > Tool > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ > > The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the list, and > the key, not just the offending program....and there may be more than one > offending program entry. > > If the only backup you have that may contain a viable Uninstall key is too > old to risk restoring, it is possible to extract an old registry copy from > one of the old backups without restoring. I can give those directions if > needed, later. > > Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ways, and I'll > give you an email address to send it to me for possible repair....unless > you want to do it yourself. If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and > thread, he has repaired literally dozens (or more) of these. > -- > Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > http://dts-l.org/ > http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > > > "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. The 14" >>Monitor is a >> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. >> >> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from Windows >> Update website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and >> so I removed it from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC >> and to my dismay, I found that ALL other listed programs had simply >> disappeared - but NOT the programs themselves! >> >> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the list? >> Thanking you >> Capt K Ripendran
Guest glee Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs replied inline.... "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the recent five days and > not beyond! > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo Messenger under the > Uninstall key and no other program. > > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the cause must be due to a > different reason as I had NO program with over 63 characters in the list of > programs! So, I cannot apply the Resolution suggested. You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This behavior occurs if a program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY NAME is longer than 63 characters" (emphasis mine). How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 characters, when the keys are all currently missing? > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a viable copy of the > Uninstall key for repair - if you would kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can > make an attempt to repair it! If the registry restore only show the past five days and the problem is older than that, how do you plan on getting a viable copy? Do you have older registry backups made manually, or an exported registry from prior to the onset of the issue? What is the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting there is "One-touch > Multimedia Keyboard" which I had reinstalled - all others have disappeared! -- Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ http://dts-l.org/ http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > > > > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy *just prior* to the >> advent of the issue, if it is only a few days old, as it may or may not bring >> back then list, but it may well disappear again if the original cause is not >> fixed. >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor (Start>Run>regedit), >> navigate to this key: >> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, one for each >> installed program, plus more. If they are there, you need to export the entire >> Uninstall key to a text file, to be examined for the possible cause of the >> problem. >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, click the Registry >> menu> Export. >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something like "Uninstall.txt" >> (including the quotes), and save as a text file rather than as a .reg file. >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to try and get back >> to when it was still available, and then export the Uninstall key for examination >> and possible repair. >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove Programs Tool >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the list, and the key, >> not just the offending program....and there may be more than one offending >> program entry. >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable Uninstall key is too old to >> risk restoring, it is possible to extract an old registry copy from one of the >> old backups without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, later. >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ways, and I'll give >> you an email address to send it to me for possible repair....unless you want to >> do it yourself. If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has >> repaired literally dozens (or more) of these. >> -- >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >> http://dts-l.org/ >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. The 14" >>>Monitor is a >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. >>> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from Windows Update >>> website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I removed it >>> from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my dismay, I found >>> that ALL other listed programs had simply disappeared - but NOT the programs >>> themselves! >>> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the list? >>> Thanking you >>> Capt K Ripendran > >
Guest Capt K Ripendran Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs You are right. I had not read it properly. I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I exported the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder as under rb001 dated 7/29/07! Capt K Ripendran "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > replied inline.... > > "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the recent five days and > > not beyond! > > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo Messenger under the > > Uninstall key and no other program. > > > > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the cause must be due to a > > different reason as I had NO program with over 63 characters in the list of > > programs! So, I cannot apply the Resolution suggested. > > > You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This behavior occurs if a > program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY NAME is longer than 63 characters" > (emphasis mine). > > How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 characters, when the > keys are all currently missing? > > > > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a viable copy of the > > Uninstall key for repair - if you would kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can > > make an attempt to repair it! > > > If the registry restore only show the past five days and the problem is older than > that, how do you plan on getting a viable copy? Do you have older registry backups > made manually, or an exported registry from prior to the onset of the issue? What > is the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? > > > > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting there is "One-touch > > Multimedia Keyboard" which I had reinstalled - all others have disappeared! > -- > Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > http://dts-l.org/ > http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > > > > > > > > > > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy *just prior* to the > >> advent of the issue, if it is only a few days old, as it may or may not bring > >> back then list, but it may well disappear again if the original cause is not > >> fixed. > >> > >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor (Start>Run>regedit), > >> navigate to this key: > >> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall > >> > >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, one for each > >> installed program, plus more. If they are there, you need to export the entire > >> Uninstall key to a text file, to be examined for the possible cause of the > >> problem. > >> > >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, click the Registry > >> menu> Export. > >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something like "Uninstall.txt" > >> (including the quotes), and save as a text file rather than as a .reg file. > >> > >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to try and get back > >> to when it was still available, and then export the Uninstall key for examination > >> and possible repair. > >> > >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: > >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove Programs Tool > >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ > >> > >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the list, and the key, > >> not just the offending program....and there may be more than one offending > >> program entry. > >> > >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable Uninstall key is too old to > >> risk restoring, it is possible to extract an old registry copy from one of the > >> old backups without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, later. > >> > >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ways, and I'll give > >> you an email address to send it to me for possible repair....unless you want to > >> do it yourself. If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has > >> repaired literally dozens (or more) of these. > >> -- > >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > >> http://dts-l.org/ > >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > >> > >> > >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. The 14" > >>>Monitor is a > >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. > >>> > >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from Windows Update > >>> website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I removed it > >>> from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my dismay, I found > >>> that ALL other listed programs had simply disappeared - but NOT the programs > >>> themselves! > >>> > >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the list? > >>> Thanking you > >>> Capt K Ripendran > > > > >
Guest Brian A. Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > You are right. I had not read it properly. > > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I exported > the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. > > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder as under rb001 dated 7/29/07! That's 5 days ago here where I reside. Is it realy the oldest or did you mean most recent? > Capt K Ripendran -- Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User } Conflicts start where information lacks. http://basconotw.mvps.org/ Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375 > > > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> replied inline.... >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the recent > five days and >> > not beyond! >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo Messenger > under the >> > Uninstall key and no other program. >> > >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the cause must > be due to a >> > different reason as I had NO program with over 63 characters in the list > of >> > programs! So, I cannot apply the Resolution suggested. >> >> >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This behavior > occurs if a >> program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY NAME is longer than 63 > characters" >> (emphasis mine). >> >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 characters, > when the >> keys are all currently missing? >> >> >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a viable copy of > the >> > Uninstall key for repair - if you would kindly do the needful. > Alternately, I can >> > make an attempt to repair it! >> >> >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the problem is > older than >> that, how do you plan on getting a viable copy? Do you have older > registry backups >> made manually, or an exported registry from prior to the onset of the > issue? What >> is the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? >> >> >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting there is > "One-touch >> > Multimedia Keyboard" which I had reinstalled - all others have > disappeared! >> -- >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >> http://dts-l.org/ >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> >> >> > >> > >> > >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy *just > prior* to the >> >> advent of the issue, if it is only a few days old, as it may or may not > bring >> >> back then list, but it may well disappear again if the original cause > is not >> >> fixed. >> >> >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor > (Start>Run>regedit), >> >> navigate to this key: >> >> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall >> >> >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, one for > each >> >> installed program, plus more. If they are there, you need to export > the entire >> >> Uninstall key to a text file, to be examined for the possible cause of > the >> >> problem. >> >> >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, click the > Registry >> >> menu> Export. >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something like > "Uninstall.txt" >> >> (including the quotes), and save as a text file rather than as a .reg > file. >> >> >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to try and > get back >> >> to when it was still available, and then export the Uninstall key for > examination >> >> and possible repair. >> >> >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove Programs > Tool >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ >> >> >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the list, > and the key, >> >> not just the offending program....and there may be more than one > offending >> >> program entry. >> >> >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable Uninstall key is > too old to >> >> risk restoring, it is possible to extract an old registry copy from one > of the >> >> old backups without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, > later. >> >> >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ways, and > I'll give >> >> you an email address to send it to me for possible repair....unless you > want to >> >> do it yourself. If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, > he has >> >> repaired literally dozens (or more) of these. >> >> -- >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >> >> http://dts-l.org/ >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> >> >> >> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. The > 14" >> >>>Monitor is a >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. >> >>> >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from Windows > Update >> >>> website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I > removed it >> >>> from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my > dismay, I found >> >>> that ALL other listed programs had simply disappeared - but NOT the > programs >> >>> themselves! >> >>> >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the list? >> >>> Thanking you >> >>> Capt K Ripendran >> > >> > >> > >
Guest Hugh Candlin Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > You are right. I had not read it properly. > > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I exported > the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. > > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder as under rb001 dated 7/29/07! > Capt K Ripendran Check the dates. That file - rb001 - is one of a rotating series of files. rb001 may or may not be more recent than any of the others. That also applies to any of the other files. Any of them could be the most recent, or the oldest. -- "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on."
Guest Alan Edwards Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs Popping in but it seems the Capt has no valid Uninstall sub-keys left. ....Alan -- Alan Edwards, MS MVP Windows - Internet Explorer http://dts-l.org/index.htm On Wed, 1 Aug 2007 22:30:35 -0400, in microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion, "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote: >Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ways, and I'll give you >an email address to send it to me for possible repair....unless you want to do it >yourself. If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has repaired >literally dozens (or more) of these.
Guest glee Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are looking at the dates on the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, because they are really not in sequence. If you shut down every day, or reboot every day, then you will only go back 5 days. It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual Registry backups saved one per month in addition to and in a different location from the system backups, plus an Regedit export each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a backup of my vmm32.vxd file). You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an uninstall shortcut either in their Start Menu entries, or in their program folder itself. Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and selecting Remove from the installer options. It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the entries back. Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in postings from the past. Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it small enough to post as an export/copy/paste? -- Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ http://dts-l.org/ http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > You are right. I had not read it properly. > > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I exported > the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. > > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder as under rb001 dated 7/29/07! > Capt K Ripendran > > > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> replied inline.... >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the recent > five days and >> > not beyond! >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo Messenger > under the >> > Uninstall key and no other program. >> > >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the cause must > be due to a >> > different reason as I had NO program with over 63 characters in the list > of >> > programs! So, I cannot apply the Resolution suggested. >> >> >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This behavior > occurs if a >> program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY NAME is longer than 63 > characters" >> (emphasis mine). >> >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 characters, > when the >> keys are all currently missing? >> >> >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a viable copy of > the >> > Uninstall key for repair - if you would kindly do the needful. > Alternately, I can >> > make an attempt to repair it! >> >> >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the problem is > older than >> that, how do you plan on getting a viable copy? Do you have older > registry backups >> made manually, or an exported registry from prior to the onset of the > issue? What >> is the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? >> >> >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting there is > "One-touch >> > Multimedia Keyboard" which I had reinstalled - all others have > disappeared! >> -- >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >> http://dts-l.org/ >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> >> >> > >> > >> > >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy *just > prior* to the >> >> advent of the issue, if it is only a few days old, as it may or may not > bring >> >> back then list, but it may well disappear again if the original cause > is not >> >> fixed. >> >> >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor > (Start>Run>regedit), >> >> navigate to this key: >> >> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall >> >> >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, one for > each >> >> installed program, plus more. If they are there, you need to export > the entire >> >> Uninstall key to a text file, to be examined for the possible cause of > the >> >> problem. >> >> >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, click the > Registry >> >> menu> Export. >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something like > "Uninstall.txt" >> >> (including the quotes), and save as a text file rather than as a .reg > file. >> >> >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to try and > get back >> >> to when it was still available, and then export the Uninstall key for > examination >> >> and possible repair. >> >> >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove Programs > Tool >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ >> >> >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the list, > and the key, >> >> not just the offending program....and there may be more than one > offending >> >> program entry. >> >> >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable Uninstall key is > too old to >> >> risk restoring, it is possible to extract an old registry copy from one > of the >> >> old backups without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, > later. >> >> >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ways, and > I'll give >> >> you an email address to send it to me for possible repair....unless you > want to >> >> do it yourself. If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, > he has >> >> repaired literally dozens (or more) of these. >> >> -- >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >> >> http://dts-l.org/ >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> >> >> >> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. The > 14" >> >>>Monitor is a >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. >> >>> >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from Windows > Update >> >>> website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I > removed it >> >>> from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my > dismay, I found >> >>> that ALL other listed programs had simply disappeared - but NOT the > programs >> >>> themselves! >> >>> >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the list? >> >>> Thanking you >> >>> Capt K Ripendran >> > >> > >> > >
Guest Capt K Ripendran Posted August 3, 2007 Posted August 3, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs Yes, the cab files are as under - today. rb004 - 7/30/07 rb003 - 7/31/07 rb000 - 8/01/07 rb002 - 8/02/07 rb005 - 8/03/07 As to the Uninstall key, only the following sub-key is left. I have done the export/copy/paste as suggested by you. REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Yaho o! Messenger] "DisplayName"="Yahoo! Messenger" "UninstallString"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\UNWISE.EXE /U C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\INSTALL.LOG" "DisplayIcon"="C:\\Program Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe,-0" I am open to advice as to how to repair! Thanking you Capt K Ripendran "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message news:%23H3JFcT1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are looking at the dates on > the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, because they are really not in sequence. If > you shut down every day, or reboot every day, then you will only go back 5 days. > > It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual Registry backups saved > one per month in addition to and in a different location from the system backups, > plus an Regedit export each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a backup of my > vmm32.vxd file). > > You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an uninstall shortcut > either in their Start Menu entries, or in their program folder itself. > > Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. > > Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and selecting Remove > from the installer options. > > It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the entries back. > > Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in postings from the > past. > > Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it small enough to post > as an export/copy/paste? > -- > Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > http://dts-l.org/ > http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > > > "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > > You are right. I had not read it properly. > > > > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I exported > > the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. > > > > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder is rb001 dated 7/29/07! > > Capt K Ripendran > > > > > > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > >> replied inline.... > >> > >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the recent > > five days and > >> > not beyond! > >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo Messenger > > under the > >> > Uninstall key and no other program. > >> > > >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the cause must > > be due to a > >> > different reason as I had NO program with over 63 characters in the list > > of > >> > programs! So, I cannot apply the Resolution suggested. > >> > >> > >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This behavior > > occurs if a > >> program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY NAME is longer than 63 > > characters" > >> (emphasis mine). > >> > >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 characters, > > when the > >> keys are all currently missing? > >> > >> > >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a viable copy of > > the > >> > Uninstall key for repair - if you would kindly do the needful. > > Alternately, I can > >> > make an attempt to repair it! > >> > >> > >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the problem is > > older than > >> that, how do you plan on getting a viable copy? Do you have older > > registry backups > >> made manually, or an exported registry from prior to the onset of the > > issue? What > >> is the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? > >> > >> > >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting there is > > "One-touch > >> > Multimedia Keyboard" which I had reinstalled - all others have > > disappeared! > >> -- > >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > >> http://dts-l.org/ > >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > >> > >> > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy *just > > prior* to the > >> >> advent of the issue, if it is only a few days old, as it may or may not > > bring > >> >> back then list, but it may well disappear again if the original cause > > is not > >> >> fixed. > >> >> > >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor > > (Start>Run>regedit), > >> >> navigate to this key: > >> >> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall > >> >> > >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, one for > > each > >> >> installed program, plus more. If they are there, you need to export > > the entire > >> >> Uninstall key to a text file, to be examined for the possible cause of > > the > >> >> problem. > >> >> > >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, click the > > Registry > >> >> menu> Export. > >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something like > > "Uninstall.txt" > >> >> (including the quotes), and save as a text file rather than as a ..reg > > file. > >> >> > >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to try and > > get back > >> >> to when it was still available, and then export the Uninstall key for > > examination > >> >> and possible repair. > >> >> > >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: > >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove Programs > > Tool > >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ > >> >> > >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the list, > > and the key, > >> >> not just the offending program....and there may be more than one > > offending > >> >> program entry. > >> >> > >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable Uninstall key is > > too old to > >> >> risk restoring, it is possible to extract an old registry copy from one > > of the > >> >> old backups without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, > > later. > >> >> > >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ways, and > > I'll give > >> >> you an email address to send it to me for possible repair....unless you > > want to > >> >> do it yourself. If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, > > he has > >> >> repaired literally dozens (or more) of these. > >> >> -- > >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > >> >> http://dts-l.org/ > >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. The > > 14" > >> >>>Monitor is a > >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. > >> >>> > >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from Windows > > Update > >> >>> website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I > > removed it > >> >>> from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my > > dismay, I found > >> >>> that ALL other listed programs had simply disappeared - but NOT the > > programs > >> >>> themselves! > >> >>> > >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the list? > >> >>> Thanking you > >> >>> Capt K Ripendran > >> > > >> > > >> > > > > >
Guest glee Posted August 3, 2007 Posted August 3, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs Unfortunately, without a copy of the Uninstall key from a time when it was still populated, there is no way I know to repair it. Only the workarounds I mentioned in my last reply are left, AFAIK. -- Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:%23OIxRjX1HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > Yes, the cab files are as under - today. > > rb004 - 7/30/07 > rb003 - 7/31/07 > rb000 - 8/01/07 > rb002 - 8/02/07 > rb005 - 8/03/07 > > As to the Uninstall key, only the following sub-key is left. I have done the > export/copy/paste as suggested by you. > > REGEDIT4 > > [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Yaho > o! Messenger] > "DisplayName"="Yahoo! Messenger" > "UninstallString"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\UNWISE.EXE /U > C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\INSTALL.LOG" > "DisplayIcon"="C:\\Program Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe,-0" > > I am open to advice as to how to repair! > Thanking you > Capt K Ripendran > > > > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > news:%23H3JFcT1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > > That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are looking at the > dates on > > the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, because they are really not in > sequence. If > > you shut down every day, or reboot every day, then you will only go back 5 > days. > > > > It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual Registry > backups saved > > one per month in addition to and in a different location from the system > backups, > > plus an Regedit export each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a > backup of my > > vmm32.vxd file). > > > > You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an uninstall > shortcut > > either in their Start Menu entries, or in their program folder itself. > > > > Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. > > > > Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and > selecting Remove > > from the installer options. > > > > It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the entries back. > > > > Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in postings > from the > > past. > > > > Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it small > enough to post > > as an export/copy/paste? > > -- > > Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > > http://dts-l.org/ > > http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > > > > > > "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > > news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > > > You are right. I had not read it properly. > > > > > > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I > exported > > > the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. > > > > > > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder is rb001 dated 7/29/07! > > > > Capt K Ripendran > > > > > > > > > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > > > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > > >> replied inline.... > > >> > > >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > > >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > > >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the recent > > > five days and > > >> > not beyond! > > >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo Messenger > > > under the > > >> > Uninstall key and no other program. > > >> > > > >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the cause > must > > > be due to a > > >> > different reason as I had NO program with over 63 characters in the > list > > > of > > >> > programs! So, I cannot apply the Resolution suggested. > > >> > > >> > > >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This behavior > > > occurs if a > > >> program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY NAME is longer than 63 > > > characters" > > >> (emphasis mine). > > >> > > >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 > characters, > > > when the > > >> keys are all currently missing? > > >> > > >> > > >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a viable copy > of > > > the > > >> > Uninstall key for repair - if you would kindly do the needful. > > > Alternately, I can > > >> > make an attempt to repair it! > > >> > > >> > > >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the problem is > > > older than > > >> that, how do you plan on getting a viable copy? Do you have older > > > registry backups > > >> made manually, or an exported registry from prior to the onset of the > > > issue? What > > >> is the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? > > >> > > >> > > >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting there > is > > > "One-touch > > >> > Multimedia Keyboard" which I had reinstalled - all others have > > > disappeared! > > >> -- > > >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > > >> http://dts-l.org/ > > >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > > >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > > >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy *just > > > prior* to the > > >> >> advent of the issue, if it is only a few days old, as it may or may > not > > > bring > > >> >> back then list, but it may well disappear again if the original > cause > > > is not > > >> >> fixed. > > >> >> > > >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor > > > (Start>Run>regedit), > > >> >> navigate to this key: > > >> >> > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall > > >> >> > > >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, one > for > > > each > > >> >> installed program, plus more. If they are there, you need to export > > > the entire > > >> >> Uninstall key to a text file, to be examined for the possible cause > of > > > the > > >> >> problem. > > >> >> > > >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, click > the > > > Registry > > >> >> menu> Export. > > >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something like > > > "Uninstall.txt" > > >> >> (including the quotes), and save as a text file rather than as a > .reg > > > file. > > >> >> > > >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to try > and > > > get back > > >> >> to when it was still available, and then export the Uninstall key > for > > > examination > > >> >> and possible repair. > > >> >> > > >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: > > >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove > Programs > > > Tool > > >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ > > >> >> > > >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the list, > > > and the key, > > >> >> not just the offending program....and there may be more than one > > > offending > > >> >> program entry. > > >> >> > > >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable Uninstall key > is > > > too old to > > >> >> risk restoring, it is possible to extract an old registry copy from > one > > > of the > > >> >> old backups without restoring. I can give those directions if > needed, > > > later. > > >> >> > > >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ways, > and > > > I'll give > > >> >> you an email address to send it to me for possible repair....unless > you > > > want to > > >> >> do it yourself. If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and > thread, > > > he has > > >> >> repaired literally dozens (or more) of these. > > >> >> -- > > >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > > >> >> http://dts-l.org/ > > >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > > >> >> > > >> >> > > >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > > >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > > >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 SE. > The > > > 14" > > >> >>>Monitor is a > > >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. > > >> >>> > > >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 from > Windows > > > Update > > >> >>> website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so > I > > > removed it > > >> >>> from the "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my > > > dismay, I found > > >> >>> that ALL other listed programs had simply disappeared - but NOT the > > > programs > > >> >>> themselves! > > >> >>> > > >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in the > list? > > >> >>> Thanking you > > >> >>> Capt K Ripendran > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > > > > > > > >
Guest PCR Posted August 3, 2007 Posted August 3, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs Capt K Ripendran wrote: | Yes, the cab files are as under - today. | | rb004 - 7/30/07 | rb003 - 7/31/07 | rb000 - 8/01/07 | rb002 - 8/02/07 | rb005 - 8/03/07 Do you have "RBBAD.cab" (also in "C:\Windows\SysBckUp"-- but it doesn't show up in the ScanReg window)? IF SO, that could be much older. Don't install it-- but see whether its System.dat has an Uninstall key that is acceptable. Also, it couldn't hurt to look at the one in your rb004.cab (if that's still the oldest of those)-- just in case! Can you get System.dat out of both of those & into, say, "C:\Windows\Temp"? Of course, you can do only one at a time, unless you temporarily rename one of them after the extract. Here is how to do it with EXTRACT at any DOS Prompt... "EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab System.dat" That was all one line between the quotes (but DON'T use the quotes)-- with 4 spaces: one on each side of "/L", one after "Temp", & one after ".cab". NOW, get that Uninstall key this way, which MUST be done in True DOS... (a) "START button, Shut Down, Re-start in MS-DOS Mode" (b) REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" That's one line with 4 spaces-- after "REGEDIT", ".dat", "/E" & ".txt". USE the quotes. Hopefully, "Unin.txt" has what you want. Open it in Notepad, & post the contents. IF that fails to run because it is too long, then export the whole registry this way... REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt Then, open it in Wordpad, & look for JUST that Registry key & post it for further instructions. | As to the Uninstall key, only the following sub-key is left. I have | done the export/copy/paste as suggested by you. | | REGEDIT4 | | [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Yaho | o! Messenger] | "DisplayName"="Yahoo! Messenger" | "UninstallString"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\UNWISE.EXE /U | C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\INSTALL.LOG" | "DisplayIcon"="C:\\Program | Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe,-0" | | I am open to advice as to how to repair! | Thanking you | Capt K Ripendran | | | | "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message | news:%23H3JFcT1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... |> That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are looking |> at the dates on the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, because they |> are really not in sequence. If you shut down every day, or reboot |> every day, then you will only go back 5 days. |> |> It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual |> Registry backups saved one per month in addition to and in a |> different location from the system backups, plus an Regedit export |> each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a backup of my vmm32.vxd |> file). |> |> You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an |> uninstall shortcut either in their Start Menu entries, or in their |> program folder itself. |> |> Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. |> |> Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and |> selecting Remove from the installer options. |> |> It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the entries |> back. |> |> Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in |> postings from the past. |> |> Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it |> small enough to post as an export/copy/paste? |> -- |> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ |> http://dts-l.org/ |> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm |> |> |> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message |> news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> > You are right. I had not read it properly. |> > |> > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I |> > exported the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. |> > |> > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder is rb001 dated |> > 7/29/07! | |> > Capt K Ripendran |> > |> > |> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message |> > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... |> >> replied inline.... |> >> |> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message |> >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the |> >> > recent five days and not beyond! |> >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo |> >> > Messenger under the Uninstall key and no other program. |> >> > |> >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the |> >> > cause must be due to a different reason as I had NO program |> >> > with over 63 characters in the list of programs! So, I cannot |> >> > apply the Resolution suggested. |> >> |> >> |> >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This |> >> behavior occurs if a program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY |> >> NAME is longer than 63 characters" (emphasis mine). |> >> |> >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 |> >> characters, when the keys are all currently missing? |> >> |> >> |> >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a |> >> > viable copy of the Uninstall key for repair - if you would |> >> > kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can make an attempt to |> >> > repair it! |> >> |> >> |> >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the |> >> problem is older than that, how do you plan on getting a viable |> >> copy? Do you have older registry backups made manually, or an |> >> exported registry from prior to the onset of the issue? What is |> >> the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? |> >> |> >> |> >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting |> >> > there is "One-touch Multimedia Keyboard" which I had |> >> > reinstalled - all others have |> > disappeared! |> >> -- |> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ |> >> http://dts-l.org/ |> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm |> >> |> >> |> >> > |> >> > |> >> > |> >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message |> >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy |> >> >> *just prior* to the advent of the issue, if it is only a few |> >> >> days old, as it may or may not bring back then list, but it |> >> >> may well disappear again if the original cause is not fixed. |> >> >> |> >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor |> >> >> (Start>Run>regedit), navigate to this key: |> >> >> | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall |> >> >> |> >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, |> >> >> one for each installed program, plus more. If they are there, |> >> >> you need to export the entire Uninstall key to a text file, to |> >> >> be examined for the possible cause of the problem. |> >> >> |> >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, |> >> >> click the Registry menu> Export. |> >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something |> >> >> like "Uninstall.txt" (including the quotes), and save as a |> >> >> text file rather than as a .reg file. |> >> >> |> >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to |> >> >> try and get back to when it was still available, and then |> >> >> export the Uninstall key for examination and possible repair. |> >> >> |> >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: |> >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove |> >> >> Programs Tool http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ |> >> >> |> >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the |> >> >> list, and the key, not just the offending program....and there |> >> >> may be more than one offending program entry. |> >> >> |> >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable |> >> >> Uninstall key is too old to risk restoring, it is possible to |> >> >> extract an old registry copy from one of the old backups |> >> >> without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, |> >> >> later. |> >> >> |> >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these |> >> >> ways, and I'll give you an email address to send it to me for |> >> >> possible repair....unless you want to do it yourself. If MVP |> >> >> Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has repaired |> >> >> literally dozens (or more) of these. -- |> >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/ |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm |> >> >> |> >> >> |> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message |> >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 |> >> >>>SE. The 14" Monitor is a |> >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. |> >> >>> |> >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 |> >> >>> from Windows Update website and then I thought that this |> >> >>> update caused a problem and so I removed it from the |> >> >>> "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my |> >> >>> dismay, I found that ALL other listed programs had simply |> >> >>> disappeared - but NOT the programs themselves! |> >> >>> |> >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in |> >> >>> the list? Thanking you |> >> >>> Capt K Ripendran -- Thanks or Good Luck, There may be humor in this post, and, Naturally, you will not sue, Should things get worse after this, PCR pcrrcp@netzero.net
Guest Capt K Ripendran Posted August 5, 2007 Posted August 5, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs No, I do NOT have a RBBAD.cab file in C:\Windows\SysBckUp. The oldest cab file today is rb001.cab and I have extracted its system.dat file into C:\Windows\Temp. I then tried, ALL the below suggested - with correct spaces (and quotes for HKEY only) in DOS Prompt as well as in True DOS ( by shutting down and restarting in MS-DOS Mode) and the results are as under: 1. EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab System.dat ERROR- Cannot Open File. 2. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" Unable to Open Registry 3. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt Unable to Open Registry. Thanking you Capt K Ripendran "PCR" <pcrrcp@netzero.net> wrote in message news:%23mz4H8f1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... Capt K Ripendran wrote: | Yes, the cab files are as under - today. | | rb004 - 7/30/07 | rb003 - 7/31/07 | rb000 - 8/01/07 | rb002 - 8/02/07 | rb005 - 8/03/07 Do you have "RBBAD.cab" (also in "C:\Windows\SysBckUp"-- but it doesn't show up in the ScanReg window)? IF SO, that could be much older. Don't install it-- but see whether its System.dat has an Uninstall key that is acceptable. Also, it couldn't hurt to look at the one in your rb004.cab (if that's still the oldest of those)-- just in case! Can you get System.dat out of both of those & into, say, "C:\Windows\Temp"? Of course, you can do only one at a time, unless you temporarily rename one of them after the extract. Here is how to do it with EXTRACT at any DOS Prompt... "EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab System.dat" That was all one line between the quotes (but DON'T use the quotes)-- with 4 spaces: one on each side of "/L", one after "Temp", & one after ".cab". NOW, get that Uninstall key this way, which MUST be done in True DOS... (a) "START button, Shut Down, Re-start in MS-DOS Mode" (b) REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" That's one line with 4 spaces-- after "REGEDIT", ".dat", "/E" & ".txt". USE the quotes. Hopefully, "Unin.txt" has what you want. Open it in Notepad, & post the contents. IF that fails to run because it is too long, then export the whole registry this way... REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt Then, open it in Wordpad, & look for JUST that Registry key & post it for further instructions. | As to the Uninstall key, only the following sub-key is left. I have | done the export/copy/paste as suggested by you. | | REGEDIT4 | | [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Yaho | o! Messenger] | "DisplayName"="Yahoo! Messenger" | "UninstallString"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\UNWISE.EXE /U | C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\INSTALL.LOG" | "DisplayIcon"="C:\\Program | Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe,-0" | | I am open to advice as to how to repair! | Thanking you | Capt K Ripendran | | | | "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message | news:%23H3JFcT1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... |> That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are looking |> at the dates on the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, because they |> are really not in sequence. If you shut down every day, or reboot |> every day, then you will only go back 5 days. |> |> It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual |> Registry backups saved one per month in addition to and in a |> different location from the system backups, plus an Regedit export |> each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a backup of my vmm32.vxd |> file). |> |> You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an |> uninstall shortcut either in their Start Menu entries, or in their |> program folder itself. |> |> Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. |> |> Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and |> selecting Remove from the installer options. |> |> It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the entries |> back. |> |> Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in |> postings from the past. |> |> Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it |> small enough to post as an export/copy/paste? |> -- |> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ |> http://dts-l.org/ |> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm |> |> |> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message |> news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> > You are right. I had not read it properly. |> > |> > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I |> > exported the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. |> > |> > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder is rb001 dated |> > 7/29/07! | |> > Capt K Ripendran |> > |> > |> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message |> > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... |> >> replied inline.... |> >> |> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message |> >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the |> >> > recent five days and not beyond! |> >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo |> >> > Messenger under the Uninstall key and no other program. |> >> > |> >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the |> >> > cause must be due to a different reason as I had NO program |> >> > with over 63 characters in the list of programs! So, I cannot |> >> > apply the Resolution suggested. |> >> |> >> |> >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This |> >> behavior occurs if a program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY |> >> NAME is longer than 63 characters" (emphasis mine). |> >> |> >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 |> >> characters, when the keys are all currently missing? |> >> |> >> |> >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a |> >> > viable copy of the Uninstall key for repair - if you would |> >> > kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can make an attempt to |> >> > repair it! |> >> |> >> |> >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the |> >> problem is older than that, how do you plan on getting a viable |> >> copy? Do you have older registry backups made manually, or an |> >> exported registry from prior to the onset of the issue? What is |> >> the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? |> >> |> >> |> >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting |> >> > there is "One-touch Multimedia Keyboard" which I had |> >> > reinstalled - all others have |> > disappeared! |> >> -- |> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ |> >> http://dts-l.org/ |> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm |> >> |> >> |> >> > |> >> > |> >> > |> >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message |> >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy |> >> >> *just prior* to the advent of the issue, if it is only a few |> >> >> days old, as it may or may not bring back then list, but it |> >> >> may well disappear again if the original cause is not fixed. |> >> >> |> >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor |> >> >> (Start>Run>regedit), navigate to this key: |> >> >> | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall |> >> >> |> >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, |> >> >> one for each installed program, plus more. If they are there, |> >> >> you need to export the entire Uninstall key to a text file, to |> >> >> be examined for the possible cause of the problem. |> >> >> |> >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, |> >> >> click the Registry menu> Export. |> >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something |> >> >> like "Uninstall.txt" (including the quotes), and save as a |> >> >> text file rather than as a .reg file. |> >> >> |> >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to |> >> >> try and get back to when it was still available, and then |> >> >> export the Uninstall key for examination and possible repair. |> >> >> |> >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: |> >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove |> >> >> Programs Tool http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ |> >> >> |> >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the |> >> >> list, and the key, not just the offending program....and there |> >> >> may be more than one offending program entry. |> >> >> |> >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable |> >> >> Uninstall key is too old to risk restoring, it is possible to |> >> >> extract an old registry copy from one of the old backups |> >> >> without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, |> >> >> later. |> >> >> |> >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these |> >> >> ways, and I'll give you an email address to send it to me for |> >> >> possible repair....unless you want to do it yourself. If MVP |> >> >> Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has repaired |> >> >> literally dozens (or more) of these. -- |> >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/ |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm |> >> >> |> >> >> |> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message |> >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 |> >> >>>SE. The 14" Monitor is a |> >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. |> >> >>> |> >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 |> >> >>> from Windows Update website and then I thought that this |> >> >>> update caused a problem and so I removed it from the |> >> >>> "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my |> >> >>> dismay, I found that ALL other listed programs had simply |> >> >>> disappeared - but NOT the programs themselves! |> >> >>> |> >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in |> >> >>> the list? Thanking you |> >> >>> Capt K Ripendran -- Thanks or Good Luck, There may be humor in this post, and, Naturally, you will not sue, Should things get worse after this, PCR pcrrcp@netzero.net
Guest Ben Myers Posted August 5, 2007 Posted August 5, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:uYsTqcz1HHA.5772@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > No, I do NOT have a RBBAD.cab file in C:\Windows\SysBckUp. > > The oldest cab file today is rb001.cab and I have extracted its system.dat > file into C:\Windows\Temp. > > I then tried, ALL the below suggested - with correct spaces (and quotes for > HKEY only) in DOS Prompt as well as in True DOS ( by shutting down and > restarting in MS-DOS Mode) and the results are as under: > > 1. EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab System.dat > ERROR- Cannot Open File. > > 2. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt > "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" > Unable to Open Registry > > 3. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt > Unable to Open Registry. Try extracting "system.dat" to the root folder of C:\. Then restart in DOS and use the following command line: REGEDIT /L:C:\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" Ben
Guest glee Posted August 5, 2007 Posted August 5, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs Capt, I have been assuming from your replies that the problem originated more than 5 days from the start of this thread, and so there is no further work that can be done. If however, the oldest rb###.cab file you have is older than the start of the problem, or you are not sure, then try this: Do you have a program such as Winzip installed, or the native .cab-viewing utility in Windows? Just double-click the oldest .cab file and let it open in your archive viewing app, then select only the System.dat file in the archive, righ-click it and click Extract. Extract it to your Temp folder, or My Docs, or somewhere else outside the Windows folder tree. Let's say you have extracted it to C:\Windows\Temp. Restart in DOS: - Start the computer and hold down the CTRL key till the Windows 98 Startup menu (boot menu) appears. OR - Repeatedly tap the F8 key after the memory count to bring up the boot menu. - Use the arrow keys to select "Command Prompt Only" and press Enter. Type the following, and press Enter: smartdrv Then type the following (all one line) and press Enter: regedit /L:c:\windows\temp\system.dat /E uninstal.txt "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" (That is: regedit <space> /L:c:\windows\temp\system.dat <space> /E <space> uninstal.txt <space> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" ) That should create an exported text file of the key, in the same folder (Windows\Temp). When done and back at the DOS prompt, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart Windows, then open the uninstal.txt file in the Temp folder, with Notepad and see if there is anything more than the one program you currently see in ARP -- Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ http://dts-l.org/ http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:uYsTqcz1HHA.5772@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > No, I do NOT have a RBBAD.cab file in C:\Windows\SysBckUp. > > The oldest cab file today is rb001.cab and I have extracted its system.dat > file into C:\Windows\Temp. > > I then tried, ALL the below suggested - with correct spaces (and quotes for > HKEY only) in DOS Prompt as well as in True DOS ( by shutting down and > restarting in MS-DOS Mode) and the results are as under: > > 1. EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab System.dat > ERROR- Cannot Open File. > > 2. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt > "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" > Unable to Open Registry > > 3. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt > Unable to Open Registry. > > Thanking you > Capt K Ripendran > > > > "PCR" <pcrrcp@netzero.net> wrote in message > news:%23mz4H8f1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > Capt K Ripendran wrote: > | Yes, the cab files are as under - today. > | > | rb004 - 7/30/07 > | rb003 - 7/31/07 > | rb000 - 8/01/07 > | rb002 - 8/02/07 > | rb005 - 8/03/07 > > Do you have "RBBAD.cab" (also in "C:\Windows\SysBckUp"-- but it doesn't show > up in the ScanReg window)? IF SO, that could be much older. Don't install > it-- but see whether its System.dat has an Uninstall key that is acceptable. > Also, it couldn't hurt to look at the one in your rb004.cab (if that's still > the oldest of those)-- just in case! > > Can you get System.dat out of both of those & into, say, "C:\Windows\Temp"? > Of course, you can do only one at a time, unless you temporarily rename one > of them after the extract. Here is how to do it with EXTRACT at any DOS > Prompt... > > "EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab System.dat" > > That was all one line between the quotes (but DON'T use the quotes)-- with 4 > spaces: one on each side of "/L", one after "Temp", & one after ".cab". > > NOW, get that Uninstall key this way, which MUST be done in True DOS... > > (a) "START button, Shut Down, Re-start in MS-DOS Mode" > (b) > REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt > "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" > > That's one line with 4 spaces-- after "REGEDIT", ".dat", "/E" & ".txt". USE > the quotes. Hopefully, "Unin.txt" has what you want. Open it in Notepad, & > post the contents. > > IF that fails to run because it is too long, then export the whole registry > this way... > > REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt > > Then, open it in Wordpad, & look for JUST that Registry key & post it for > further instructions. > > | As to the Uninstall key, only the following sub-key is left. I have > | done the export/copy/paste as suggested by you. > | > | REGEDIT4 > | > | > [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Yaho > | o! Messenger] > | "DisplayName"="Yahoo! Messenger" > | "UninstallString"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\UNWISE.EXE /U > | C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\INSTALL.LOG" > | "DisplayIcon"="C:\\Program > | Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe,-0" > | > | I am open to advice as to how to repair! > | Thanking you > | Capt K Ripendran > | > | > | > | "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > | news:%23H3JFcT1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > |> That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are looking > |> at the dates on the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, because they > |> are really not in sequence. If you shut down every day, or reboot > |> every day, then you will only go back 5 days. > |> > |> It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual > |> Registry backups saved one per month in addition to and in a > |> different location from the system backups, plus an Regedit export > |> each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a backup of my vmm32.vxd > |> file). > |> > |> You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an > |> uninstall shortcut either in their Start Menu entries, or in their > |> program folder itself. > |> > |> Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. > |> > |> Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and > |> selecting Remove from the installer options. > |> > |> It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the entries > |> back. > |> > |> Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in > |> postings from the past. > |> > |> Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it > |> small enough to post as an export/copy/paste? > |> -- > |> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > |> http://dts-l.org/ > |> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > |> > |> > |> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > |> news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > |> > You are right. I had not read it properly. > |> > > |> > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I > |> > exported the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. > |> > > |> > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder is rb001 dated > |> > 7/29/07! > | > |> > Capt K Ripendran > |> > > |> > > |> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > |> > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > |> >> replied inline.... > |> >> > |> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > |> >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > |> >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the > |> >> > recent five days and not beyond! > |> >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo > |> >> > Messenger under the Uninstall key and no other program. > |> >> > > |> >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the > |> >> > cause must be due to a different reason as I had NO program > |> >> > with over 63 characters in the list of programs! So, I cannot > |> >> > apply the Resolution suggested. > |> >> > |> >> > |> >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This > |> >> behavior occurs if a program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY > |> >> NAME is longer than 63 characters" (emphasis mine). > |> >> > |> >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 > |> >> characters, when the keys are all currently missing? > |> >> > |> >> > |> >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a > |> >> > viable copy of the Uninstall key for repair - if you would > |> >> > kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can make an attempt to > |> >> > repair it! > |> >> > |> >> > |> >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the > |> >> problem is older than that, how do you plan on getting a viable > |> >> copy? Do you have older registry backups made manually, or an > |> >> exported registry from prior to the onset of the issue? What is > |> >> the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? > |> >> > |> >> > |> >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting > |> >> > there is "One-touch Multimedia Keyboard" which I had > |> >> > reinstalled - all others have > |> > disappeared! > |> >> -- > |> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > |> >> http://dts-l.org/ > |> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > |> >> > |> >> > |> >> > > |> >> > > |> >> > > |> >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > |> >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > |> >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy > |> >> >> *just prior* to the advent of the issue, if it is only a few > |> >> >> days old, as it may or may not bring back then list, but it > |> >> >> may well disappear again if the original cause is not fixed. > |> >> >> > |> >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor > |> >> >> (Start>Run>regedit), navigate to this key: > |> >> >> > | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall > |> >> >> > |> >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, > |> >> >> one for each installed program, plus more. If they are there, > |> >> >> you need to export the entire Uninstall key to a text file, to > |> >> >> be examined for the possible cause of the problem. > |> >> >> > |> >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, > |> >> >> click the Registry menu> Export. > |> >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something > |> >> >> like "Uninstall.txt" (including the quotes), and save as a > |> >> >> text file rather than as a .reg file. > |> >> >> > |> >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to > |> >> >> try and get back to when it was still available, and then > |> >> >> export the Uninstall key for examination and possible repair. > |> >> >> > |> >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: > |> >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove > |> >> >> Programs Tool http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ > |> >> >> > |> >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the > |> >> >> list, and the key, not just the offending program....and there > |> >> >> may be more than one offending program entry. > |> >> >> > |> >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable > |> >> >> Uninstall key is too old to risk restoring, it is possible to > |> >> >> extract an old registry copy from one of the old backups > |> >> >> without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, > |> >> >> later. > |> >> >> > |> >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these > |> >> >> ways, and I'll give you an email address to send it to me for > |> >> >> possible repair....unless you want to do it yourself. If MVP > |> >> >> Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has repaired > |> >> >> literally dozens (or more) of these. -- > |> >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/ > |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > |> >> >> > |> >> >> > |> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > |> >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > |> >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 > |> >> >>>SE. The 14" Monitor is a > |> >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. > |> >> >>> > |> >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 > |> >> >>> from Windows Update website and then I thought that this > |> >> >>> update caused a problem and so I removed it from the > |> >> >>> "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my > |> >> >>> dismay, I found that ALL other listed programs had simply > |> >> >>> disappeared - but NOT the programs themselves! > |> >> >>> > |> >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in > |> >> >>> the list? Thanking you > |> >> >>> Capt K Ripendran > > -- > Thanks or Good Luck, > There may be humor in this post, and, > Naturally, you will not sue, > Should things get worse after this, > PCR > pcrrcp@netzero.net > > >
Guest PCR Posted August 5, 2007 Posted August 5, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:uYsTqcz1HHA.5772@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl | No, I do NOT have a RBBAD.cab file in C:\Windows\SysBckUp. | | The oldest cab file today is rb001.cab and I have extracted its | system.dat file into C:\Windows\Temp. That is good. I hope you haven't gone & deleted it. Now, we must retrieve that Reg key "Uninstall" from it, just to see what it looks like for sure. Another thing: Do you have a "System.1st"? That's another very old one that may have something. In fact, "START, Find, F/F, System.dat"-- there may be others lying around! I have one in a hidden folder called "System.sav"-- that's a folder with a dot in its name! | I then tried, ALL the below suggested - with correct spaces (and | quotes for HKEY only) in DOS Prompt as well as in True DOS ( by | shutting down and restarting in MS-DOS Mode) and the results are as | under: | | 1. EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab | System.dat ERROR- Cannot Open File. That is the error expected when RBBAD.cab does not exist. Too bad! | 2. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt | "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" | Unable to Open Registry I just dropped into DOS & tried it myself-- it worked! Ensure the slashes are correct & in the proper direction. Also, ensure there is a System.dat in "C:\Windows\Temp". Remember, it is all one line with ONLY 4 spaces in it. To save on typing, maybe try it the way Myers said... Move System.dat into "C:\", &... REGEDIT /L:C:\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" It works! I did it! Unin.txt ends up with the Registry key. Examine it. Post it for further instructions. | 3. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E | C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt Unable to Open Registry. This one that exports the entire Registry is unnecessary to do. That is good, because it can take quit a while to complete! | Thanking you | Capt K Ripendran | | | | "PCR" <pcrrcp@netzero.net> wrote in message | news:%23mz4H8f1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... | Capt K Ripendran wrote: || Yes, the cab files are as under - today. || || rb004 - 7/30/07 || rb003 - 7/31/07 || rb000 - 8/01/07 || rb002 - 8/02/07 || rb005 - 8/03/07 | | Do you have "RBBAD.cab" (also in "C:\Windows\SysBckUp"-- but it | doesn't show up in the ScanReg window)? IF SO, that could be much | older. Don't install it-- but see whether its System.dat has an | Uninstall key that is acceptable. Also, it couldn't hurt to look at | the one in your rb004.cab (if that's still the oldest of those)-- | just in case! | | Can you get System.dat out of both of those & into, say, | "C:\Windows\Temp"? Of course, you can do only one at a time, unless | you temporarily rename one of them after the extract. Here is how to | do it with EXTRACT at any DOS Prompt... | | "EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab | System.dat" | | That was all one line between the quotes (but DON'T use the quotes)-- | with 4 spaces: one on each side of "/L", one after "Temp", & one | after ".cab". | | NOW, get that Uninstall key this way, which MUST be done in True | DOS... | | (a) "START button, Shut Down, Re-start in MS-DOS Mode" | (b) | REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt | "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" | | That's one line with 4 spaces-- after "REGEDIT", ".dat", "/E" & | ".txt". USE the quotes. Hopefully, "Unin.txt" has what you want. Open | it in Notepad, & post the contents. | | IF that fails to run because it is too long, then export the whole | registry this way... | | REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E | C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt | | Then, open it in Wordpad, & look for JUST that Registry key & post it | for further instructions. | || As to the Uninstall key, only the following sub-key is left. I have || done the export/copy/paste as suggested by you. || || REGEDIT4 || || | [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ Yaho || o! Messenger] || "DisplayName"="Yahoo! Messenger" || "UninstallString"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\UNWISE.EXE /U || C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\INSTALL.LOG" || "DisplayIcon"="C:\\Program || Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe,-0" || || I am open to advice as to how to repair! || Thanking you || Capt K Ripendran || || || || "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message || news:%23H3JFcT1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... ||> That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are looking ||> at the dates on the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, because they ||> are really not in sequence. If you shut down every day, or reboot ||> every day, then you will only go back 5 days. ||> ||> It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual ||> Registry backups saved one per month in addition to and in a ||> different location from the system backups, plus an Regedit export ||> each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a backup of my vmm32.vxd ||> file). ||> ||> You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an ||> uninstall shortcut either in their Start Menu entries, or in their ||> program folder itself. ||> ||> Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. ||> ||> Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and ||> selecting Remove from the installer options. ||> ||> It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the entries ||> back. ||> ||> Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in ||> postings from the past. ||> ||> Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it ||> small enough to post as an export/copy/paste? ||> -- ||> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ ||> http://dts-l.org/ ||> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm ||> ||> ||> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message ||> news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... ||> > You are right. I had not read it properly. ||> > ||> > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I ||> > exported the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. ||> > ||> > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder is rb001 dated ||> > 7/29/07! || ||> > Capt K Ripendran ||> > ||> > ||> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message ||> > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... ||> >> replied inline.... ||> >> ||> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message ||> >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... ||> >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the ||> >> > recent five days and not beyond! ||> >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo ||> >> > Messenger under the Uninstall key and no other program. ||> >> > ||> >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the ||> >> > cause must be due to a different reason as I had NO program ||> >> > with over 63 characters in the list of programs! So, I cannot ||> >> > apply the Resolution suggested. ||> >> ||> >> ||> >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This ||> >> behavior occurs if a program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY ||> >> NAME is longer than 63 characters" (emphasis mine). ||> >> ||> >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 ||> >> characters, when the keys are all currently missing? ||> >> ||> >> ||> >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a ||> >> > viable copy of the Uninstall key for repair - if you would ||> >> > kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can make an attempt to ||> >> > repair it! ||> >> ||> >> ||> >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the ||> >> problem is older than that, how do you plan on getting a viable ||> >> copy? Do you have older registry backups made manually, or an ||> >> exported registry from prior to the onset of the issue? What is ||> >> the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? ||> >> ||> >> ||> >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting ||> >> > there is "One-touch Multimedia Keyboard" which I had ||> >> > reinstalled - all others have ||> > disappeared! ||> >> -- ||> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ ||> >> http://dts-l.org/ ||> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm ||> >> ||> >> ||> >> > ||> >> > ||> >> > ||> >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message ||> >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... ||> >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy ||> >> >> *just prior* to the advent of the issue, if it is only a few ||> >> >> days old, as it may or may not bring back then list, but it ||> >> >> may well disappear again if the original cause is not fixed. ||> >> >> ||> >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor ||> >> >> (Start>Run>regedit), navigate to this key: ||> >> >> || HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall ||> >> >> ||> >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, ||> >> >> one for each installed program, plus more. If they are there, ||> >> >> you need to export the entire Uninstall key to a text file, to ||> >> >> be examined for the possible cause of the problem. ||> >> >> ||> >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, ||> >> >> click the Registry menu> Export. ||> >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something ||> >> >> like "Uninstall.txt" (including the quotes), and save as a ||> >> >> text file rather than as a .reg file. ||> >> >> ||> >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to ||> >> >> try and get back to when it was still available, and then ||> >> >> export the Uninstall key for examination and possible repair. ||> >> >> ||> >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: ||> >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove ||> >> >> Programs Tool http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ ||> >> >> ||> >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the ||> >> >> list, and the key, not just the offending program....and there ||> >> >> may be more than one offending program entry. ||> >> >> ||> >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable ||> >> >> Uninstall key is too old to risk restoring, it is possible to ||> >> >> extract an old registry copy from one of the old backups ||> >> >> without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, ||> >> >> later. ||> >> >> ||> >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these ||> >> >> ways, and I'll give you an email address to send it to me for ||> >> >> possible repair....unless you want to do it yourself. If MVP ||> >> >> Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has repaired ||> >> >> literally dozens (or more) of these. -- ||> >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ ||> >> >> http://dts-l.org/ ||> >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm ||> >> >> ||> >> >> ||> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message ||> >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... ||> >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 ||> >> >>>SE. The 14" Monitor is a ||> >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. ||> >> >>> ||> >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 ||> >> >>> from Windows Update website and then I thought that this ||> >> >>> update caused a problem and so I removed it from the ||> >> >>> "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my ||> >> >>> dismay, I found that ALL other listed programs had simply ||> >> >>> disappeared - but NOT the programs themselves! ||> >> >>> ||> >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in ||> >> >>> the list? Thanking you ||> >> >>> Capt K Ripendran | | -- | Thanks or Good Luck, | There may be humor in this post, and, | Naturally, you will not sue, | Should things get worse after this, | PCR | pcrrcp@netzero.net -- Thanks or Good Luck, There may be humor in this post, and, Naturally, you will not sue, Should things get worse after this, PCR pcrrcp@netzero.net
Guest PCR Posted August 5, 2007 Posted August 5, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message news:%23EJXz241HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl | Capt, I have been assuming from your replies that the problem | originated more than 5 days from the start of this thread, and so | there is no further work that can be done. | | If however, the oldest rb###.cab file you have is older than the | start of the problem, or you are not sure, then try this: It might be worthwhile looking in the oldest he's got, no matter-- who knows? It could have been a saver, if he had an RBBAD.cab. That one won't show up in a "ScanReg /Restore" window, but still would be in "C:\Windows\SysBckup" (you know). I have no "System.1st", but that's another old one. I guess it would have to be renamed to "System.dat" for RegEdit to work on it. I DO have one lying in a Compaq folder named "System.sav". | Do you have a program such as Winzip installed, or the native | .cab-viewing utility in Windows? Just double-click the oldest .cab | file and let it open in your archive viewing app, then select only | the System.dat file in the archive, righ-click it and click Extract. | Extract it to your Temp folder, or My Docs, or somewhere else outside | the Windows folder tree. Absolutely! Keep the old ones OUT of "C:\Windows"! | Let's say you have extracted it to C:\Windows\Temp. | | Restart in DOS: | - Start the computer and hold down the CTRL key till the Windows 98 | Startup menu (boot menu) appears. | OR | - Repeatedly tap the F8 key after the memory count to bring up the | boot menu. | - Use the arrow keys to select "Command Prompt Only" and press Enter. | | Type the following, and press Enter: | | smartdrv | | Then type the following (all one line) and press Enter: | | regedit /L:c:\windows\temp\system.dat /E uninstal.txt | "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" | | (That is: | regedit <space> /L:c:\windows\temp\system.dat <space> /E <space> | uninstal.txt <space> | "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" | ) Yep. That line is a tough one to type! | That should create an exported text file of the key, in the same | folder (Windows\Temp). Good to know. | When done and back at the DOS prompt, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to | restart Windows, then open the uninstal.txt file in the Temp folder, | with Notepad and see if there is anything more than the one program | you currently see in ARP -- | Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ | http://dts-l.org/ | http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm | | | "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message | news:uYsTqcz1HHA.5772@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... |> No, I do NOT have a RBBAD.cab file in C:\Windows\SysBckUp. |> |> The oldest cab file today is rb001.cab and I have extracted its |> system.dat file into C:\Windows\Temp. |> |> I then tried, ALL the below suggested - with correct spaces (and |> quotes for HKEY only) in DOS Prompt as well as in True DOS ( by |> shutting down and restarting in MS-DOS Mode) and the results are as |> under: |> |> 1. EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab |> System.dat ERROR- Cannot Open File. |> |> 2. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt |> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" |> Unable to Open Registry |> |> 3. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E |> C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt Unable to Open Registry. |> |> Thanking you |> Capt K Ripendran |> |> |> |> "PCR" <pcrrcp@netzero.net> wrote in message |> news:%23mz4H8f1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... |> Capt K Ripendran wrote: |> | Yes, the cab files are as under - today. |> | |> | rb004 - 7/30/07 |> | rb003 - 7/31/07 |> | rb000 - 8/01/07 |> | rb002 - 8/02/07 |> | rb005 - 8/03/07 |> |> Do you have "RBBAD.cab" (also in "C:\Windows\SysBckUp"-- but it |> doesn't show up in the ScanReg window)? IF SO, that could be much |> older. Don't install it-- but see whether its System.dat has an |> Uninstall key that is acceptable. Also, it couldn't hurt to look at |> the one in your rb004.cab (if that's still the oldest of those)-- |> just in case! |> |> Can you get System.dat out of both of those & into, say, |> "C:\Windows\Temp"? Of course, you can do only one at a time, unless |> you temporarily rename one of them after the extract. Here is how to |> do it with EXTRACT at any DOS Prompt... |> |> "EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab |> System.dat" |> |> That was all one line between the quotes (but DON'T use the |> quotes)-- with 4 spaces: one on each side of "/L", one after "Temp", |> & one after ".cab". |> |> NOW, get that Uninstall key this way, which MUST be done in True |> DOS... |> |> (a) "START button, Shut Down, Re-start in MS-DOS Mode" |> (b) |> REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt |> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" |> |> That's one line with 4 spaces-- after "REGEDIT", ".dat", "/E" & |> ".txt". USE the quotes. Hopefully, "Unin.txt" has what you want. |> Open it in Notepad, & post the contents. |> |> IF that fails to run because it is too long, then export the whole |> registry this way... |> |> REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E |> C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt |> |> Then, open it in Wordpad, & look for JUST that Registry key & post |> it for further instructions. |> |> | As to the Uninstall key, only the following sub-key is left. I have |> | done the export/copy/paste as suggested by you. |> | |> | REGEDIT4 |> | |> | |> [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Yaho |> | o! Messenger] |> | "DisplayName"="Yahoo! Messenger" |> | "UninstallString"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\UNWISE.EXE /U |> | C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\INSTALL.LOG" |> | "DisplayIcon"="C:\\Program |> | Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe,-0" |> | |> | I am open to advice as to how to repair! |> | Thanking you |> | Capt K Ripendran |> | |> | |> | |> | "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message |> | news:%23H3JFcT1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... |> |> That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are |> |> looking at the dates on the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, |> |> because they are really not in sequence. If you shut down every |> |> day, or reboot every day, then you will only go back 5 days. |> |> |> |> It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual |> |> Registry backups saved one per month in addition to and in a |> |> different location from the system backups, plus an Regedit export |> |> each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a backup of my |> |> vmm32.vxd file). |> |> |> |> You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an |> |> uninstall shortcut either in their Start Menu entries, or in their |> |> program folder itself. |> |> |> |> Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. |> |> |> |> Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and |> |> selecting Remove from the installer options. |> |> |> |> It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the |> |> entries back. |> |> |> |> Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in |> |> postings from the past. |> |> |> |> Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it |> |> small enough to post as an export/copy/paste? |> |> -- |> |> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ |> |> http://dts-l.org/ |> |> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm |> |> |> |> |> |> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message |> |> news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> |> > You are right. I had not read it properly. |> |> > |> |> > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I |> |> > exported the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. |> |> > |> |> > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder is rb001 dated |> |> > 7/29/07! |> | |> |> > Capt K Ripendran |> |> > |> |> > |> |> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message |> |> > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... |> |> >> replied inline.... |> |> >> |> |> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message |> |> >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> |> >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the |> |> >> > recent five days and not beyond! |> |> >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo |> |> >> > Messenger under the Uninstall key and no other program. |> |> >> > |> |> >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the |> |> >> > cause must be due to a different reason as I had NO program |> |> >> > with over 63 characters in the list of programs! So, I cannot |> |> >> > apply the Resolution suggested. |> |> >> |> |> >> |> |> >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This |> |> >> behavior occurs if a program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY |> |> >> NAME is longer than 63 characters" (emphasis mine). |> |> >> |> |> >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 |> |> >> characters, when the keys are all currently missing? |> |> >> |> |> >> |> |> >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a |> |> >> > viable copy of the Uninstall key for repair - if you would |> |> >> > kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can make an attempt to |> |> >> > repair it! |> |> >> |> |> >> |> |> >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the |> |> >> problem is older than that, how do you plan on getting a viable |> |> >> copy? Do you have older registry backups made manually, or an |> |> >> exported registry from prior to the onset of the issue? What |> |> >> is the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? |> |> >> |> |> >> |> |> >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program |> |> >> > sitting there is "One-touch Multimedia Keyboard" which I had |> |> >> > reinstalled - all others have |> |> > disappeared! |> |> >> -- |> |> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ |> |> >> http://dts-l.org/ |> |> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm |> |> >> |> |> >> |> |> >> > |> |> >> > |> |> >> > |> |> >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message |> |> >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> |> >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy |> |> >> >> *just prior* to the advent of the issue, if it is only a few |> |> >> >> days old, as it may or may not bring back then list, but it |> |> >> >> may well disappear again if the original cause is not fixed. |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor |> |> >> >> (Start>Run>regedit), navigate to this key: |> |> >> >> |> | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall |> |> >> >> key, one for each installed program, plus more. If they |> |> >> >> are there, you need to export the entire Uninstall key to a |> |> >> >> text file, to be examined for the possible cause of the |> |> >> >> problem. |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, |> |> >> >> click the Registry menu> Export. |> |> >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something |> |> >> >> like "Uninstall.txt" (including the quotes), and save as a |> |> >> >> text file rather than as a .reg file. |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore |> |> >> >> to try and get back to when it was still available, and then |> |> >> >> export the Uninstall key for examination and possible |> |> >> >> repair. |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: |> |> >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the |> |> >> >> Add/Remove Programs Tool |> |> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from |> |> >> >> the list, and the key, not just the offending |> |> >> >> program....and there may be more than one offending program |> |> >> >> entry. |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable |> |> >> >> Uninstall key is too old to risk restoring, it is possible |> |> >> >> to extract an old registry copy from one of the old backups |> |> >> >> without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, |> |> >> >> later. |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these |> |> >> >> ways, and I'll give you an email address to send it to me |> |> >> >> for possible repair....unless you want to do it yourself. |> |> >> >> If MVP Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has |> |> >> >> repaired literally dozens (or more) of these. -- |> |> >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ |> |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/ |> |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> |> |> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message |> |> >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |> |> >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows |> |> >> >>>98 SE. The 14" Monitor is a |> |> >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. |> |> >> >>> |> |> >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 |> |> >> >>> from Windows Update website and then I thought that this |> |> >> >>> update caused a problem and so I removed it from the |> |> >> >>> "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my |> |> >> >>> dismay, I found that ALL other listed programs had simply |> |> >> >>> disappeared - but NOT the programs themselves! |> |> >> >>> |> |> >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in |> |> >> >>> the list? Thanking you |> |> >> >>> Capt K Ripendran |> |> -- |> Thanks or Good Luck, |> There may be humor in this post, and, |> Naturally, you will not sue, |> Should things get worse after this, |> PCR |> pcrrcp@netzero.net -- Thanks or Good Luck, There may be humor in this post, and, Naturally, you will not sue, Should things get worse after this, PCR pcrrcp@netzero.net
Guest Capt K Ripendran Posted August 9, 2007 Posted August 9, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs Glen, You are right, the problem originated about a month and half back! So, do I take it that it is then impossible to solve it in ALL the methods suggested in this group? In that case, I am sorry that I had put all these gentlemen to a lot of time and effort. I do have WinZip and as suggested I had opened the oldest cab file (5 days old) and had extracted the system.dat file into C:\Windows\Temp and again into the root folder of C:\ ( as suggested by Myers to save on typing!) but nothing seem to work. I am just NOT able to get the text file of the key! Perhaps it had worked for PCR but then it was not 1.5 months old! What is amazing is that ALL the programs are still there and I am able to use them - except I can't see them in the Add/Remove Programs list! As I had said earlier, I had installed Security Update KB891711 from Windows Update website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I removed it from the "Add/Remove Programs" because I had read somewhere that AMD-K6-2 Processors had this problem! It is then I noticed that all other programs had disappeared! If there is nothing else that can be done - other than reinstalling all the programs again ( if I wanted see them in the Add/Remove Programs list), I should do it OR just forget about the whole thing as long as the PC performs well. Thanking you Capt K Ripendran "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message news:%23EJXz241HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > Capt, I have been assuming from your replies that the problem originated > more than 5 > days from the start of this thread, and so there is no further work that > can be > done. > > If however, the oldest rb###.cab file you have is older than the start of > the > problem, or you are not sure, then try this: > > Do you have a program such as Winzip installed, or the native .cab-viewing > utility > in Windows? Just double-click the oldest .cab file and let it open in > your archive > viewing app, then select only the System.dat file in the archive, > righ-click it and > click Extract. Extract it to your Temp folder, or My Docs, or somewhere > else > outside the Windows folder tree. > > Let's say you have extracted it to C:\Windows\Temp. > > Restart in DOS: > - Start the computer and hold down the CTRL key till the Windows 98 > Startup menu > (boot menu) appears. > OR > - Repeatedly tap the F8 key after the memory count to bring up the boot > menu. > - Use the arrow keys to select "Command Prompt Only" and press Enter. > > Type the following, and press Enter: > > smartdrv > > Then type the following (all one line) and press Enter: > > regedit /L:c:\windows\temp\system.dat /E uninstal.txt > "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" > > (That is: > regedit <space> /L:c:\windows\temp\system.dat <space> /E <space> > uninstal.txt > <space> > "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" ) > > > That should create an exported text file of the key, in the same folder > (Windows\Temp). > > When done and back at the DOS prompt, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart > Windows, then > open the uninstal.txt file in the Temp folder, with Notepad and see if > there is > anything more than the one program you currently see in ARP > -- > Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ > http://dts-l.org/ > http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > > > "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message > news:uYsTqcz1HHA.5772@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> No, I do NOT have a RBBAD.cab file in C:\Windows\SysBckUp. >> >> The oldest cab file today is rb001.cab and I have extracted its >> system.dat >> file into C:\Windows\Temp. >> >> I then tried, ALL the below suggested - with correct spaces (and quotes >> for >> HKEY only) in DOS Prompt as well as in True DOS ( by shutting down and >> restarting in MS-DOS Mode) and the results are as under: >> >> 1. EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab >> System.dat >> ERROR- Cannot Open File. >> >> 2. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt >> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" >> Unable to Open Registry >> >> 3. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E >> C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt >> Unable to Open Registry. >> >> Thanking you >> Capt K Ripendran >> >> >> >> "PCR" <pcrrcp@netzero.net> wrote in message >> news:%23mz4H8f1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> Capt K Ripendran wrote: >> | Yes, the cab files are as under - today. >> | >> | rb004 - 7/30/07 >> | rb003 - 7/31/07 >> | rb000 - 8/01/07 >> | rb002 - 8/02/07 >> | rb005 - 8/03/07 >> >> Do you have "RBBAD.cab" (also in "C:\Windows\SysBckUp"-- but it doesn't >> show >> up in the ScanReg window)? IF SO, that could be much older. Don't install >> it-- but see whether its System.dat has an Uninstall key that is >> acceptable. >> Also, it couldn't hurt to look at the one in your rb004.cab (if that's >> still >> the oldest of those)-- just in case! >> >> Can you get System.dat out of both of those & into, say, >> "C:\Windows\Temp"? >> Of course, you can do only one at a time, unless you temporarily rename >> one >> of them after the extract. Here is how to do it with EXTRACT at any DOS >> Prompt... >> >> "EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab System.dat" >> >> That was all one line between the quotes (but DON'T use the quotes)-- >> with 4 >> spaces: one on each side of "/L", one after "Temp", & one after ".cab". >> >> NOW, get that Uninstall key this way, which MUST be done in True DOS... >> >> (a) "START button, Shut Down, Re-start in MS-DOS Mode" >> (b) >> REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt >> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" >> >> That's one line with 4 spaces-- after "REGEDIT", ".dat", "/E" & ".txt". >> USE >> the quotes. Hopefully, "Unin.txt" has what you want. Open it in Notepad, >> & >> post the contents. >> >> IF that fails to run because it is too long, then export the whole >> registry >> this way... >> >> REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt >> >> Then, open it in Wordpad, & look for JUST that Registry key & post it for >> further instructions. >> >> | As to the Uninstall key, only the following sub-key is left. I have >> | done the export/copy/paste as suggested by you. >> | >> | REGEDIT4 >> | >> | >> [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Yaho >> | o! Messenger] >> | "DisplayName"="Yahoo! Messenger" >> | "UninstallString"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\UNWISE.EXE /U >> | C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\INSTALL.LOG" >> | "DisplayIcon"="C:\\Program >> | Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe,-0" >> | >> | I am open to advice as to how to repair! >> | Thanking you >> | Capt K Ripendran >> | >> | >> | >> | "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message >> | news:%23H3JFcT1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> |> That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are looking >> |> at the dates on the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, because they >> |> are really not in sequence. If you shut down every day, or reboot >> |> every day, then you will only go back 5 days. >> |> >> |> It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual >> |> Registry backups saved one per month in addition to and in a >> |> different location from the system backups, plus an Regedit export >> |> each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a backup of my vmm32.vxd >> |> file). >> |> >> |> You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an >> |> uninstall shortcut either in their Start Menu entries, or in their >> |> program folder itself. >> |> >> |> Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. >> |> >> |> Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and >> |> selecting Remove from the installer options. >> |> >> |> It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the entries >> |> back. >> |> >> |> Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in >> |> postings from the past. >> |> >> |> Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it >> |> small enough to post as an export/copy/paste? >> |> -- >> |> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >> |> http://dts-l.org/ >> |> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> |> >> |> >> |> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >> |> news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> |> > You are right. I had not read it properly. >> |> > >> |> > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I >> |> > exported the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. >> |> > >> |> > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder is rb001 dated >> |> > 7/29/07! >> | >> |> > Capt K Ripendran >> |> > >> |> > >> |> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message >> |> > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> |> >> replied inline.... >> |> >> >> |> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >> |> >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> |> >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the >> |> >> > recent five days and not beyond! >> |> >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo >> |> >> > Messenger under the Uninstall key and no other program. >> |> >> > >> |> >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the >> |> >> > cause must be due to a different reason as I had NO program >> |> >> > with over 63 characters in the list of programs! So, I cannot >> |> >> > apply the Resolution suggested. >> |> >> >> |> >> >> |> >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This >> |> >> behavior occurs if a program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY >> |> >> NAME is longer than 63 characters" (emphasis mine). >> |> >> >> |> >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 >> |> >> characters, when the keys are all currently missing? >> |> >> >> |> >> >> |> >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a >> |> >> > viable copy of the Uninstall key for repair - if you would >> |> >> > kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can make an attempt to >> |> >> > repair it! >> |> >> >> |> >> >> |> >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the >> |> >> problem is older than that, how do you plan on getting a viable >> |> >> copy? Do you have older registry backups made manually, or an >> |> >> exported registry from prior to the onset of the issue? What is >> |> >> the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? >> |> >> >> |> >> >> |> >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting >> |> >> > there is "One-touch Multimedia Keyboard" which I had >> |> >> > reinstalled - all others have >> |> > disappeared! >> |> >> -- >> |> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >> |> >> http://dts-l.org/ >> |> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> |> >> >> |> >> >> |> >> > >> |> >> > >> |> >> > >> |> >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message >> |> >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> |> >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy >> |> >> >> *just prior* to the advent of the issue, if it is only a few >> |> >> >> days old, as it may or may not bring back then list, but it >> |> >> >> may well disappear again if the original cause is not fixed. >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor >> |> >> >> (Start>Run>regedit), navigate to this key: >> |> >> >> >> | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, >> |> >> >> one for each installed program, plus more. If they are there, >> |> >> >> you need to export the entire Uninstall key to a text file, to >> |> >> >> be examined for the possible cause of the problem. >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, >> |> >> >> click the Registry menu> Export. >> |> >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something >> |> >> >> like "Uninstall.txt" (including the quotes), and save as a >> |> >> >> text file rather than as a .reg file. >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to >> |> >> >> try and get back to when it was still available, and then >> |> >> >> export the Uninstall key for examination and possible repair. >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: >> |> >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove >> |> >> >> Programs Tool http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the >> |> >> >> list, and the key, not just the offending program....and there >> |> >> >> may be more than one offending program entry. >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable >> |> >> >> Uninstall key is too old to risk restoring, it is possible to >> |> >> >> extract an old registry copy from one of the old backups >> |> >> >> without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, >> |> >> >> later. >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these >> |> >> >> ways, and I'll give you an email address to send it to me for >> |> >> >> possible repair....unless you want to do it yourself. If MVP >> |> >> >> Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has repaired >> |> >> >> literally dozens (or more) of these. -- >> |> >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >> |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/ >> |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> >> |> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >> |> >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> |> >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 >> |> >> >>>SE. The 14" Monitor is a >> |> >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. >> |> >> >>> >> |> >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 >> |> >> >>> from Windows Update website and then I thought that this >> |> >> >>> update caused a problem and so I removed it from the >> |> >> >>> "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my >> |> >> >>> dismay, I found that ALL other listed programs had simply >> |> >> >>> disappeared - but NOT the programs themselves! >> |> >> >>> >> |> >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in >> |> >> >>> the list? Thanking you >> |> >> >>> Capt K Ripendran >> >> -- >> Thanks or Good Luck, >> There may be humor in this post, and, >> Naturally, you will not sue, >> Should things get worse after this, >> PCR >> pcrrcp@netzero.net >> >> >> >
Guest glee Posted August 9, 2007 Posted August 9, 2007 Re: Add/Remove Programs Yes, if the problem has existed for a month and a half, then your Registry key is probably not going to have the needed data by now. In that case, there is nothing you can do about it other than what I outlined earlier in this thread as alternatives.....the list will only show what you install from this point on. I am not sure why you are having trouble exporting the Uninstall key from the extracted copy of system.dat. If you have some web space where you can upload it in a .zip file, I will download it and take a look myself. Or, you can put the system.dat file in a .zip file and email it to me as an attachment. I will send you my email address, to the address you are using here. Is it a valid address? cc: newsgroup and email -- Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ http://dts-l.org/ http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message news:OpA%23ILj2HHA.4476@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > Glen, > You are right, the problem originated about a month and half back! So, do I > take it that it is then impossible to solve it in ALL the methods suggested in > this group? In that case, I am sorry that I had put all these gentlemen to a lot > of time and effort. > > I do have WinZip and as suggested I had opened the oldest cab file (5 days old) > and had extracted the system.dat file into C:\Windows\Temp and again into the root > folder of C:\ ( as suggested by Myers to save on typing!) but nothing seem to > work. I am just NOT able to get the text file of the key! Perhaps it had worked > for PCR but then it was not 1.5 months old! > > What is amazing is that ALL the programs are still there and I am able to use > them - except I can't see them in the Add/Remove Programs list! > > As I had said earlier, I had installed Security Update KB891711 from Windows > Update website and then I thought that this update caused a problem and so I > removed it from the "Add/Remove Programs" because I had read somewhere that > AMD-K6-2 Processors had this problem! It is then I noticed that all other programs > had disappeared! > > If there is nothing else that can be done - other than reinstalling all the > programs again ( if I wanted see them in the Add/Remove Programs list), I should > do it OR just forget about the whole thing as long as the PC performs well. > > Thanking you > Capt K Ripendran > > > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message > news:%23EJXz241HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... >> Capt, I have been assuming from your replies that the problem originated more >> than 5 >> days from the start of this thread, and so there is no further work that can be >> done. >> >> If however, the oldest rb###.cab file you have is older than the start of the >> problem, or you are not sure, then try this: >> >> Do you have a program such as Winzip installed, or the native .cab-viewing >> utility >> in Windows? Just double-click the oldest .cab file and let it open in your >> archive >> viewing app, then select only the System.dat file in the archive, righ-click it >> and >> click Extract. Extract it to your Temp folder, or My Docs, or somewhere else >> outside the Windows folder tree. >> >> Let's say you have extracted it to C:\Windows\Temp. >> >> Restart in DOS: >> - Start the computer and hold down the CTRL key till the Windows 98 Startup menu >> (boot menu) appears. >> OR >> - Repeatedly tap the F8 key after the memory count to bring up the boot menu. >> - Use the arrow keys to select "Command Prompt Only" and press Enter. >> >> Type the following, and press Enter: >> >> smartdrv >> >> Then type the following (all one line) and press Enter: >> >> regedit /L:c:\windows\temp\system.dat /E uninstal.txt >> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" >> >> (That is: >> regedit <space> /L:c:\windows\temp\system.dat <space> /E <space> uninstal.txt >> <space> >> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" ) >> >> >> That should create an exported text file of the key, in the same folder >> (Windows\Temp). >> >> When done and back at the DOS prompt, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart Windows, >> then >> open the uninstal.txt file in the Temp folder, with Notepad and see if there is >> anything more than the one program you currently see in ARP >> -- >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >> http://dts-l.org/ >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >> news:uYsTqcz1HHA.5772@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >>> No, I do NOT have a RBBAD.cab file in C:\Windows\SysBckUp. >>> >>> The oldest cab file today is rb001.cab and I have extracted its system.dat >>> file into C:\Windows\Temp. >>> >>> I then tried, ALL the below suggested - with correct spaces (and quotes for >>> HKEY only) in DOS Prompt as well as in True DOS ( by shutting down and >>> restarting in MS-DOS Mode) and the results are as under: >>> >>> 1. EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab System.dat >>> ERROR- Cannot Open File. >>> >>> 2. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt >>> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" >>> Unable to Open Registry >>> >>> 3. REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt >>> Unable to Open Registry. >>> >>> Thanking you >>> Capt K Ripendran >>> >>> >>> >>> "PCR" <pcrrcp@netzero.net> wrote in message >>> news:%23mz4H8f1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >>> Capt K Ripendran wrote: >>> | Yes, the cab files are as under - today. >>> | >>> | rb004 - 7/30/07 >>> | rb003 - 7/31/07 >>> | rb000 - 8/01/07 >>> | rb002 - 8/02/07 >>> | rb005 - 8/03/07 >>> >>> Do you have "RBBAD.cab" (also in "C:\Windows\SysBckUp"-- but it doesn't show >>> up in the ScanReg window)? IF SO, that could be much older. Don't install >>> it-- but see whether its System.dat has an Uninstall key that is acceptable. >>> Also, it couldn't hurt to look at the one in your rb004.cab (if that's still >>> the oldest of those)-- just in case! >>> >>> Can you get System.dat out of both of those & into, say, "C:\Windows\Temp"? >>> Of course, you can do only one at a time, unless you temporarily rename one >>> of them after the extract. Here is how to do it with EXTRACT at any DOS >>> Prompt... >>> >>> "EXTRACT /L C:\Windows\Temp C:\Windows\SysBckUp\RBBAD.cab System.dat" >>> >>> That was all one line between the quotes (but DON'T use the quotes)-- with 4 >>> spaces: one on each side of "/L", one after "Temp", & one after ".cab". >>> >>> NOW, get that Uninstall key this way, which MUST be done in True DOS... >>> >>> (a) "START button, Shut Down, Re-start in MS-DOS Mode" >>> (b) >>> REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Unin.txt >>> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" >>> >>> That's one line with 4 spaces-- after "REGEDIT", ".dat", "/E" & ".txt". USE >>> the quotes. Hopefully, "Unin.txt" has what you want. Open it in Notepad, & >>> post the contents. >>> >>> IF that fails to run because it is too long, then export the whole registry >>> this way... >>> >>> REGEDIT /L:C:\Windows\Temp\System.dat /E C:\Windows\Temp\Registry.txt >>> >>> Then, open it in Wordpad, & look for JUST that Registry key & post it for >>> further instructions. >>> >>> | As to the Uninstall key, only the following sub-key is left. I have >>> | done the export/copy/paste as suggested by you. >>> | >>> | REGEDIT4 >>> | >>> | >>> [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Yaho >>> | o! Messenger] >>> | "DisplayName"="Yahoo! Messenger" >>> | "UninstallString"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\UNWISE.EXE /U >>> | C:\\PROGRA~1\\YAHOO!\\MESSEN~1\\INSTALL.LOG" >>> | "DisplayIcon"="C:\\Program >>> | Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe,-0" >>> | >>> | I am open to advice as to how to repair! >>> | Thanking you >>> | Capt K Ripendran >>> | >>> | >>> | >>> | "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message >>> | news:%23H3JFcT1HHA.3548@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >>> |> That's too bad. As the others mentioned, make sure you are looking >>> |> at the dates on the .cabs, not the sequential numbers, because they >>> |> are really not in sequence. If you shut down every day, or reboot >>> |> every day, then you will only go back 5 days. >>> |> >>> |> It's for panics like this that I used to keep regular manual >>> |> Registry backups saved one per month in addition to and in a >>> |> different location from the system backups, plus an Regedit export >>> |> each month for relaxing reading...LOL (plus a backup of my vmm32.vxd >>> |> file). >>> |> >>> |> You may still be able to uninstall some apps if they have an >>> |> uninstall shortcut either in their Start Menu entries, or in their >>> |> program folder itself. >>> |> >>> |> Some third-party uninstaller apps may also help with smaller apps. >>> |> >>> |> Programs like MS Office can be uninstalled by inserting the CD and >>> |> selecting Remove from the installer options. >>> |> >>> |> It may be possible with some apps to overinstall and get the entries >>> |> back. >>> |> >>> |> Some apps may be searchable via Google for uninstall strings in >>> |> postings from the past. >>> |> >>> |> Let's see what is left in your Uninstall key right now....is it >>> |> small enough to post as an export/copy/paste? >>> |> -- >>> |> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >>> |> http://dts-l.org/ >>> |> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >>> |> >>> |> >>> |> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >>> |> news:u1W$fWQ1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >>> |> > You are right. I had not read it properly. >>> |> > >>> |> > I neither have an older Registry backup made manually nor have I >>> |> > exported the Registry prior to the onset of the issue. >>> |> > >>> |> > The oldest file in my Windows\sysbckup folder is rb001 dated >>> |> > 7/29/07! >>> | >>> |> > Capt K Ripendran >>> |> > >>> |> > >>> |> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message >>> |> > news:urY0fdP1HHA.5152@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >>> |> >> replied inline.... >>> |> >> >>> |> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >>> |> >> news:eADef6L1HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >>> |> >> > You are right. What Brian had suggested only shows up for the >>> |> >> > recent five days and not beyond! >>> |> >> > As to your suggestion, I found only one sub-key viz., Yahoo >>> |> >> > Messenger under the Uninstall key and no other program. >>> |> >> > >>> |> >> > I read the relevant Microsoft KB article but in my case the >>> |> >> > cause must be due to a different reason as I had NO program >>> |> >> > with over 63 characters in the list of programs! So, I cannot >>> |> >> > apply the Resolution suggested. >>> |> >> >>> |> >> >>> |> >> You did not read the article closely enough. It states, "This >>> |> >> behavior occurs if a program's DisplayName *OR* UNINSTALL KEY >>> |> >> NAME is longer than 63 characters" (emphasis mine). >>> |> >> >>> |> >> How do you know if any of the Uninstall Key names were over 63 >>> |> >> characters, when the keys are all currently missing? >>> |> >> >>> |> >> >>> |> >> > And I am reluctant to do a Registry Restore! I can send a >>> |> >> > viable copy of the Uninstall key for repair - if you would >>> |> >> > kindly do the needful. Alternately, I can make an attempt to >>> |> >> > repair it! >>> |> >> >>> |> >> >>> |> >> If the registry restore only show the past five days and the >>> |> >> problem is older than that, how do you plan on getting a viable >>> |> >> copy? Do you have older registry backups made manually, or an >>> |> >> exported registry from prior to the onset of the issue? What is >>> |> >> the oldest rb###.cab file in your Windows\sysbckup folder? >>> |> >> >>> |> >> >>> |> >> > By the way, in my HP Pavilion 6511, the lonely program sitting >>> |> >> > there is "One-touch Multimedia Keyboard" which I had >>> |> >> > reinstalled - all others have >>> |> > disappeared! >>> |> >> -- >>> |> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >>> |> >> http://dts-l.org/ >>> |> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >>> |> >> >>> |> >> >>> |> >> > >>> |> >> > >>> |> >> > >>> |> >> > "glee" <glee29@spamindspring.com> wrote in message >>> |> >> > news:Okwma0K1HHA.5984@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >>> |> >> >> You can try Brian's procedure to restore the a Registry copy >>> |> >> >> *just prior* to the advent of the issue, if it is only a few >>> |> >> >> days old, as it may or may not bring back then list, but it >>> |> >> >> may well disappear again if the original cause is not fixed. >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> BEFORE you try a registry restore, open the Registry Editor >>> |> >> >> (Start>Run>regedit), navigate to this key: >>> |> >> >> >>> | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> There should be a number of sub-keys under the Uninstall key, >>> |> >> >> one for each installed program, plus more. If they are there, >>> |> >> >> you need to export the entire Uninstall key to a text file, to >>> |> >> >> be examined for the possible cause of the problem. >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> Select the Uninstall key and on the menu bar of the editor, >>> |> >> >> click the Registry menu> Export. >>> |> >> >> Choose a location like My Documents, name the file something >>> |> >> >> like "Uninstall.txt" (including the quotes), and save as a >>> |> >> >> text file rather than as a .reg file. >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> If the key is empty, you will need to do a Registry restore to >>> |> >> >> try and get back to when it was still available, and then >>> |> >> >> export the Uninstall key for examination and possible repair. >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> The usual cause of the issue is described here: >>> |> >> >> All Installed Programs May Not Be Displayed in the Add/Remove >>> |> >> >> Programs Tool http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q240348/ >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> The issue can cause some or all programs to disappear from the >>> |> >> >> list, and the key, not just the offending program....and there >>> |> >> >> may be more than one offending program entry. >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> If the only backup you have that may contain a viable >>> |> >> >> Uninstall key is too old to risk restoring, it is possible to >>> |> >> >> extract an old registry copy from one of the old backups >>> |> >> >> without restoring. I can give those directions if needed, >>> |> >> >> later. >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> Try and get a viable copy of the Uninstall key one of these >>> |> >> >> ways, and I'll give you an email address to send it to me for >>> |> >> >> possible repair....unless you want to do it yourself. If MVP >>> |> >> >> Alan Edwards pops into this group and thread, he has repaired >>> |> >> >> literally dozens (or more) of these. -- >>> |> >> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+ >>> |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/ >>> |> >> >> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> >>> |> >> >> "Capt K Ripendran" <ripendran@dataone.in> wrote in message >>> |> >> >> news:uIzDPS$0HHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >>> |> >> >>>I have a HP Pavilion 4509 and a 6511 preloaded with Windows 98 >>> |> >> >>>SE. The 14" Monitor is a >>> |> >> >>> HP Pavilion M50 CRT model No D5258A. >>> |> >> >>> >>> |> >> >>> I had downloaded and installed a Security Update KB891711 >>> |> >> >>> from Windows Update website and then I thought that this >>> |> >> >>> update caused a problem and so I removed it from the >>> |> >> >>> "Add/Remove Programs". I had restarted the PC and to my >>> |> >> >>> dismay, I found that ALL other listed programs had simply >>> |> >> >>> disappeared - but NOT the programs themselves! >>> |> >> >>> >>> |> >> >>> What could have caused this and how could I restore it - in >>> |> >> >>> the list? Thanking you >>> |> >> >>> Capt K Ripendran >>> >>> -- >>> Thanks or Good Luck, >>> There may be humor in this post, and, >>> Naturally, you will not sue, >>> Should things get worse after this, >>> PCR >>> pcrrcp@netzero.net >>> >>> >>> >> > >
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