A while ago, I started having problems with the install of Windows Live Messenger which came with an Aspire One netbook - video conferencing didn't work, for example.
I then proceeded to attempt to "repair" Messenger, which failed.
Now, I'm trying to reinstall Messenger, but I can't get it to uninstall.
Here's what I tried at first:
Go to
Add/Remove Programs
and removeWindows Live Essentials
.
I tried this, ticked the checkboxes to remove all Live applications. For some reason, this uninstall failed for Messenger and Writer.Then, it removed its entry from the
Add/Remove Programs
list.Tried CCleaner - useless as it uses the same list as the
Add/Remove Programs
panel.- Desperately uninstalling
Windows Live Sync
andWindows Live Messenger
- Running the
Windows Install Cleanup Utility
from Microsoft and zapping:- Windows Live Messenger
- Windows Live Writer
- Downloading the installer and attempting to install over the top
I'm not going to just delete the Windows Live directory in \Program Files, as Messenger also installs two metric tonnes worth of registry crap as well, just like any other Microsoft product.
I also, helpfully, have no System Restore points - call me old-school but I turn System Restore off as soon as I get a machine.
Even more helpfully, I don't have a backup, a Windows CD, a CD drive or a spare memory stick so a format-and-reinstall is not an option.
I'm running Windows XP Home Edition on an Acer Aspire One netbook - I don't imagine the detailed specs are required for this particular question.