problems uninstalling software

[y2k1981]

Hi Everybody,

My friend just recently got a second hand PC with wind 95. Unfortunately, he, or somebody deleted some system files that they shouldn't have. now, he needs to uninstall some apps but it won't let me uninstall them for him. It says that the file C:\instacc\uninst.isu is missing ... there's no instacc directory!!!!!! There does appear to be some sort of special installation/uninstallation software installed (if that's possible?) because when I go to uninstall any of the apps, it brings an "image" with Install Sheild Corporation written on it, then I get the error message.

Anyway, after all that waffle, all I want to know is what do I need to do in order to uninstall those apps for him and get his OS back the way it should be? Can I rerun setup with out the disks? Would that solve it?

 

[djones2002]

Unfortunately, once something like this happens it's very difficult to get it out of there. I would suggest something like a 3rd party "uninstaller". Downloads.com has several that might fit your needs.

IMHO: Wipe the HDD and reinstall Windows. Second-hand pcs are disasters waiting to happen, and a fresh install can cure many ills.

 

[carrr]

Don't go jumping at a reformat just yet. Check out this freeware utility:

http://www.webattack.com/get/smartuninstaller.shtml

I've used this in the past to remove progs that people have butchered beyond recognition. Maybe it'll bail you out...

 

[y2k1981]

Thanks Lads,

I don't think that wiping the drive will be an option, seing that he doens't have the disks to reinstall the OS or the apps that he does want. I've gotten some downloads from download.com and from the site that carrr recommended and I'll have a go over the weekend. However, as I said, I think that he deleted some files taht he shouldn't. Does anybody know of any way that we can get to OS back to the way it was so that he's no missing any system fils?

Again, thanks for your help

 

[drcard]

Sometimes a Win95 was installed by first transferring the cab files to the HDD. Do a Find for "*.cab" (without quotes) to see. If so, then it would be easy to extract the system files you needed from those cab files.

HTH, Dana)

 

[y2k1981]

hey dana, thanks I'll do that.

 

[carrr]

Check out this site, good reference for Win95. Look under system repair.

http://95isalive.com/