Software thinks it is already installed, but isnt?

windows-7 installation windows-registry uninstall

6,978

I would be comfortable removing a couple of things from the registry on this.

regedit.msc
HKLM\software\yourProgram - delete
HKCU\software\yourProgram - delete
verify that there is no directory for the program in Program Files x64 and x86
if there are delete those directories.
if you cannot delete them because they are in use, reboot in safe mode and delete it.

Alternatively, REVO uninstaller does a good job if it can detect the program.

6,978

user997112

Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

user997112 over 1 year

I have a game which I would like to install but whenever I insert the CD/mount the image, when the menu pops up it shows "Play" rather than "Install". The Control Panel does not show the software listed under installed programs.

I think this is because of a previous installation which didn't complete correctly.

This is on Windows 7 64-bit. I do not know much about software installation. Would somebody be able to point me to which parts of the registry I should delete? I am assuming there is something in the registry making it think the game is installed? I just need to know the locations I can search for something resembling the game and delete them.
- Admin over 8 years
  
  Why don't you just manually run the setup executable?
- Admin over 8 years
  
  I wouldn't go off deleting things in the registry. There are actually tools that can uninstall partially installed (or incorrectly installed) software. Use one of them instead.
- Admin over 8 years
  
  @rrirower but how can the tool detect what to delete if the Control Panel isn't even aware of it?
- Admin over 8 years
  
  These "tools" can scrape the registry looking for what the system thinks is installed. It's safer than you guessing at what should be removed.
- Admin over 8 years
  
  fyi, knowing about the registry certainly makes it sound like you know at least a little about software installation and computers in general. What game are you trying to install specifically?
- Admin over 8 years
  
  knowing the game would help.
- Admin over 8 years
  
  @Keltari Command & Conquer generals. When I try to run from the desktop the game just freezes and then the process just dies.