Win XP Pro Uninstaller problem 2

[1quickdraw]

My friend called me to help him with a problem. It seems whenever he goes into control panel, add / remove software and tries to use the remove software option, he gets a message to the effect of "Install Shield Setup Launcher has encountered a problem and needs to close." This message comes up everythime he attempts to uninstall anything. I advised him he may have to reinstall WIndows but that means having to re update everything from scratch. Any sugestions?

 

[mattjurado]

I would start with virus and spyware scans.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[linney]

Somethings to look at in case it is just a problem with InstallShield software.

810608 - Error in Ikernel.exe When You Install Programs By Using InstallShield

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810608&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

INFO: Initialization Error Troubleshooting

http://support.installshield.com/kb/view.asp?articleid=Q104985

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=...xe)+could+not+be+launched"&btnG=Google+Search

http://www.google.com/search?source...d+Engine+(ikernel.exe)+could+not+be+launched"

http://consumer.installshield.com/kb.asp?id=Q108190

 

[1quickdraw]

Thanks Linney.
These did not help much.

 

[bcastner]

. Look under the Program Files directory for the program you want to uninstall. Often there is an uninstall program found. Double click to run.

. often installing the program again will then permit the uninstall

. Update the InstallShield engine used:

http://consumer.installshield.com/kb.asp?id=Q108322

 

[linney]

Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates (no problem if you substitute them with SP2) but your files and programs will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[1quickdraw]

Thanks Bcastner and Linney.

The problem was as you stated Bill. My friend's PC is now able to uninstall again after updating the installshield.
Thanks Linney. I may have to do that Windows repair to my system soon. SO I will file this for future reference.
Thanks again

Steve