How to Get Rid of an Incomplete Install
By Tammy Clevenger
You'll install many applications during the life of your computer or laptop. Some installations fail and files are often left on the hard drive. In some cases, these incomplete installations may interfere with other software installations. For example, Adobe Reader will fail with the Error #1316 if a previous installation of the software is detected. The answer to how to get rid of an incomplete install is to run the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility. The tool will clean up any incomplete installations within Windows.
Step 1
Click the Windows "Start" button and then click "Control Panel."
Step 2
Click the "Programs" option, then click "Programs and Features." A list of installed programs launches.
Step 3
Check to see if the software that did not install completely is listed. If there is an entry for the software, click it and then click the "Uninstall/Change" button from the top navigation bar to uninstall the software. However, in most cases, the software will not be listed and therefore, you will not be able to uninstall the program using the Control Panel interface. You'll need to run the cleanup tool to remove all traces of the incomplete installation.
Step 4
Download the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility from Softpedia or another shareware site. Download the .exe file and save the file to your hard drive. No installation is needed -- the utility will run directly from the ,exe file.
Step 5
Double-click on the Windows Installer Cleanup Tool .exe file. The tool launches.
Step 6
Click the "Next" button to run the took and clean out any incomplete or obsolete installation files from the Windows system.
Writer Bio
Tammy Clevenger works in the I.T. industry while maintaining creative outlets through film making, writing and audio production. She is a published academic author and is an accomplished and certified Project Management Professional.