Can't uninstall/re-install TMPGenc: Error 1714 & -1603

[newbee51]

This is driving me crazy! Every time I tried to normally uninstall TMPGenc from the Add/Remove Programs control panel, the Install utility loaded up and promptly exited without any notice or warning. So I manually brute-force uninstalled it by deleting the TMPGENC folder and it's contents and then I deleted every reference to it in the registry.

Then I rebooted and tried to install the new version of TMPGenc, but it always fails with the following error messages:

Error 1714 during install -- unable to remove old version

THEN:

"Feature transfer error

Error: -1603 Fatal error during installation

Consult Windows Install Help (msi.chm) or MSDN for more info"

It turns out that error 1603 means: "Error installing Windows Installer engine. A file which needs to be replaced may be held in use. Close all applications and try again."

Naturally, I tried exiting all applications and then re-installing, but I got the same error.

So then I tried installing it from Safe Mode (although I'm still having trouble getting into Safe Mode deliberately, see: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=214897), but I STILL got the same error!


What should I do? Thanks in advance for your help!

[jimmalenko]

I hate to say it but I think a reformat might be in order.

[Romper]

Poor old work still uses NT4 (going XP v soon - makes my job easier), and we get these when NT has been patched in the wromg order, dodgy installs etc.. and the only fix we've found that works 100% is to splat the system and re-build it - I love Ghost.........


Unfortunately a reformat is pretty much the only way.

[newbee51]

Re-formatting strikes me as a highly over-dramatic "solution"! Re-installing Windows and all of my 700+ installed programs would take months! It is simply not an option.

What I need is someone who understands Installers who can help guide me to why TMPGenc thinks an older version is still installed even though it's not.

Please don't suggest re-formatting or re-installing Windows. There ARE better solutions, as described above.

[Romper]

Do a search on the Microsoft for the errors and good luck....

[wings]

Here you go.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304888

Good Luck

[LRD]

A typical easy trick is to simply re-install the program to get it properly loaded in the registry and install shield bases. Then go back through the "add and remove" function from control panel. If the file is corrupted, often uninstall cannot address it. It must be fixed first.

LRD

[LRD]

Sorry, seems I did not read far enough. Looks like you tried my trick already.

LRD

[jimmalenko]

Re-formatting strikes me as a highly over-dramatic "solution"! Re-installing Windows and all of my 700+ installed programs would take months! It is simply not an option.

What you haven't done a ghost of your drive recently ?

re-formatting is probably the best option because it will *definitely* fix this problem and any other problems you might be having. Your computer will be as new in terms of performance. It is also a good time to take stock of the programs you have on your PC - which ones you really need and which ones you haven't used in a while. I make a habit of reformatting my system drive every 12 months. Everything runs smoothly all of the time.

Basically, if you want to wait around for a bandaid solution, by all means do so.