Win 7 Installer fail

[IBMJunkman]

Friend (really!) has an app that can’t be removed. There are no folders in Program Files or Program Files (x86) for the app. There are a couple of folders in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository but they cannot be deleted. Even in Safe Mode. He is Admin on the PC.

There is an entry for the app in Control Panel. But if you try to uninstall the following error occurs:
The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. This can occur if the Windows Installer is not correctly installed, Contact your support personnel for assistance.

I am his support personnel and have no idea.

 

[EXCellR8]

What's the app? You could try something like Revo Uninstaller Pro to get to the route of the problem. Is the app malicious?

 

[IBMJunkman]

It is for Escort radar detector updating.

I will try Revo and going through the Registry.

 

[C1]

Typically when this happens, the proceedure is to reinstall the app then uninstall it using the app's uninstaller.

A guess in your case is that the installed app has been damaged in some way so that what is left is an unworkable fragment of the installation.

Look at this link (below) as it addresses the uninstall procedure for the Escort software (step 3). However, because the app is "busted" it is recommended to reinstall it so that there is a correct working version of it, then immediately uninstall it using the apps uninstaller that the link claims should be there.

http://www.escortradar.com/register/9500iLogin.asp

After that you may want to use Revo to check for fragments.

 

[IBMJunkman]

We already tried a re-install. Got a message from Windows Installer saying 'another version of this product is already installed'. Says to use Add/Remove but that does not work.

What user is higher than Admin? I assume that is why I can't delete the FileRepositiry stuff.

 

[C1]

Apparently the software IS buggy and there are complaints of similar issues. Here is what some people have found:

http://escortradarforum.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-13443.html

 

[PliotronX]

I would use geek uninstaller and its "force removal" option. Then reboot and attempt to install (if desired). For any remaining files, take ownership of the files and use lockhunter to delete.

 

[IBMJunkman]

How does one take ownership? Person has Administrator rights already.

 

[corkyg]

Admin rights also require opening as such. Ownership is described nicely here:

https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/w...ke-ownership-of-files-and-folders-in-windows/

 

[compcons]

You may also have to explicitly grant permissions and/or take ownership of the registry keys. Be sure to make a backup copy of the registry in case things go sideways.