Add/Remove Programs Will Not Uninstall Programs

[RobynWrites]

I have two programs (both taking up the majority of needed free memory) and when I click on uninstall (in either program) midway through the process it will give an error message to the effect of "could not find write file with the only option of clicking on OK. When I do that, a small box appears with the message Fatal Error in Installation The two programs are:

1) Microsoft Picture It! Publishing Platinum 2001 (843 MB) and not used since Jan, 2005.

2)MGI PhotoSuite III (Remove Only) (528 MB) and not used since February, 2006.

I have tried locating the Programs through searching the hard drive, but they are not there.

I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop, with Windows XP Pro OS, all updates are complete, I run disk cleanup daily along with Adaware and defrag about once a week lately (as prompted; I'm assuming for the low memory) I usually receive the message/warning "Running Low on Virtual Memory" when booting up, but not always. I've done the System/advanced performance setting options with recommended changes, but that doesn't seem to help either.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I literally have narrowed down and deleted any programs and Windows Components I don't use, but am nearing 8% of available memory. Just doesn't seem right.

Thanks for your time -- and certainly, for any solutions you can offer!

Robyn

 

[munkyeetr]

As far as removing the two offending programs, try booting in Safe Mode (press F8 while booting and choose Safe Mode from the menu options) and removing them through Add/Remove.

 

[Jacen_Solo762]

I know this may sound like an extremely stupid question but in windows explorer, what is the setting regarding hidden files? If the files are hidden, you won't be able to see them. go to windows explorer> tools> folder options> view> hidden files and folders. Set it to "show hidden files and folders"

with regards to your memory problems, does your computer have a dedicated graphics card? If it doesn't it uses integrated graphics and this steals memory. If graphics aren't really that important in your computer usage, you can go to the motherboard BIOS and change the set memory amount for graphics. You could also drop down your screen resolution.

Many laptops have fans that blow and suck air from underneath. If you block those grilles, your notebook's processor will overheat and be forced to throttle back in order to stop from blowing up, robbing you of system performance. Keep that grille clear.

If all else fails, back up your data and reinstall the operating system because even with constant defragging, updates and anti-virus scans, your system can become horribly clogged.

Hope this helps!