Cannot install/re-install MS DeskTop Search (nor toolbar): "cannot remove older version
I have ALL the problems encountered by some people removing MS DeskTop Search from my computer. I removed it using all the tricks I know + those given by members. Nothing works, I still get the message that the program is already installed on my computer everytime I try to re-install it.
Now, all I want is TO REMOVE THAT THING from my computer and not re-install it ever.
I'm fed up with this pop ups telling my that I should reinstall the program.
When you go in to Add/Remove Programs ensure that you have the Show Updates box checked. I think you may find you have an update for either MSN Toolbar or Windows Desktop Search still installed.
Please let me know if that helps.
Jeff
I too cannot uninstall the MSN Search Toolbar, although I am trying to do it because I get an error message telling me that I need to do uninstall it in order to install the newest version of the MSN Search Toolbar.
For me, the MSN toolbar shows up as an unclicked toolbar option in the View --> Toolbars menu in MS Internet Explorer, but when I click on it to enable the MSN Search Toolbar to show in Internet Explorer, the toolbar does not show.
I cannot find the MSN Search Toolbar to remove it in Add/Remove Programs even with the suggested Show Updates box checked.
I have also tried the suggestions in the earlier thread on this subject started by Thom Gray Rome, e.g.,
- running SPUNINST.EXE from the folders
Version Location
2.6.0.2083 %systemroot%\$NtUninstallKB907371-V2$\spuninst
2.6.0.2057 %systemroot%\$NtUninstallKB907371$\spuninst
I can't find either folder
%windrive%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MSN Search Toolbar\<Version Number>\en-us
I can't even find an "MSN Search Toolbar" folder.
-
I tried to use the the
"Windows Installer CleanUp Utility" program (downloadable at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301) to remove MSN Toolbar and other unwanted Windows programs. per the suggestion in the Rome thread, but neither the MSN Search Toolbar, nor Windows Desktop search shows up in the list of installers when I run the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility.
Any help would be appreciated.
Alrighty then...
If the SPUNINSTALL.exe and MSI Cleanup tool didn't do the trick, the next thing I would try is to manually remove the references to these products.
NOTE: It is STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT YOU BACK UP YOUR REGISTRY BEFORE MAKING ANY MODIFICATIONS TO IT.If you are not familiar with working with the registry or are not comfortable doing so, I would suggest that you find someone you trust who has done this sort of thing before.
Also it wouldn’t hurt to back up your system as well.May sound like overkill, but better safe then sorry. JRegular system back up’s are a good thing, if you haven’t done one in a while, this is a good excuse to do one now. < I know I’m preaching to the choir but thought I’d throw that out there. >
For WDS I'd delete the following folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\<User Name>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Desktop Search
NOTE: to delete the folder in the All Users and Default User folders you will probably need local admin rights to the system.
Next I'd remove the following registry entries/folders.
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\RSSsearch
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\windows desktop Search
Similarly for the tool bar I'd remove the following folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MSN Search Toolbar
And in the registry:HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSN Toolbar
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MSN Apps
Once this is done, restart your system and try installing the latest version once again.
Please let me know if this helps! J
I followed your directions, Jeff_R, and here are the results:
For WDS I'd delete the following folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\<User Name>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Desktop Search
C:\Documents and Settings\<User Name>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Desktop Search folder wasn't there.
Next I'd remove the following registry entries/folders.
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\RSSsearch
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\windows desktop Search
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\RSSsearch entry/folder wasn't in the registry.
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\windows desktop Search entry/folder wasn't in the registry
Similarly for the tool bar I'd remove the following folder:C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MSN Search Toolbar
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MSN Search Toolbar folder wasn't there.
And in the registry:[Delete] HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSN Toolbar
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSN Toolbar was in the registry. Folder deleted.
[Delete] HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MSN Apps
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MSN Apps was in the registry. Folder deleted. Note: Right next to it was the folder HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MSN Toolbar. I did not delete that folder.
Once this is done, restart your system and try installing the latest version once again.
System restarted. MSN Toolbar installed SUCCESSFULLY!!! Thanks, Jeff.
Hi Antonio,
From what you said it looks a lot of those entries were gone already, that's interesting.
I'm really glad that worked for you! Enjoy!
Jeff
