MAKEMSI quickly and reliably creates MSI files in a non-programmatic way
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\->Tips and Tricks->Uninstall Fails (Don't Panic)

Uninstall Fails (Don't Panic)

OK your've probably done something silly and the package you created won't uninstall, what can you do?

Some choices:

  1. Window Installer caches a copy of your MSI (less files) in "%SystemRoot%\Installer" (a hidden directory). The files have "random" names, if you just installed an MSI then its probably the latest msi in that directory. If in doubt, the tooltips will tell you... This is what is used during an uninstall.

    Use "ORCA" to alter or remove the offending custom action, launch condition or whatever is causing the problem and try again (exit orca first).

  2. Use the "Windows Installer CleanUp Utility" or "MSIZAP.EXE" to wipe it out.

    This doesn't actually uninstall it, it just makes Windows Installer "forget" about it.


Microsoft awarded me an MVP (Most Valuable Professional award) in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 for the Windows SDK (Windows Installer) area.Please email me any feedback, additional information or corrections.
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Microsoft awarded me an MVP (Most Valuable Professional award) in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 for the Windows SDK (Windows Installer) area.