Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

add/remove windows components won't work

0 helpful
7 replies

by schristo

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

I get an error message of "setup was unable to load the master information file". There is only an "ok" button to click, so I click that then another error message comes up "The application could not be initialized" with only an ok button. I click that. Nothing happens, it just goes back to the add/remove programs screen again.

Please help

7 replies

by dave.osborne

What version of windows are you running?

With both 2000 and XP, in the boot up menu, there is a repair feature in which you can install certain components without losing any information. Try that and let me know if it works.

by shaunl

Hi The best but most dangerous way to fix this is use regedit, but first backup the registry 'File export' then click on edit find and search for all instances of the program eg for VNC search for VNC and delete all the instance, then after that youcan delete the folder comtaining the vnc install files, if you have hassles just restore the regisry but it normally works fine Shaun

by mrjay67

It sounds like the uninstall file for the intended app(s) are missing. Either you removed/deleted the program directory without going through add/remove or the file was never put there in the first place on install. If the directory for the app still exists look for files called either uninstall, unwise or something similar regarding removal. execute the file manually from there.

If the file/program doesnt exist anymore you can try the registry if you feel comfortable with it. Other wise try reinstalling the app or finding the uninstall file that goes with it either from the CD or whereever it was installed from. The latter of the 2 are your safest bets if you havent played with registry before. Once you done one of the 2 you should be able to remove it properly from add/remove in control panel. If replacing/reinstalling the file doesnt work then you will have to do things manually and use the registry to clear it out as the other answer said.

Jason

This discussion is closed to new replies.