Cannot uninstall Google Drive or install a new one

Question

I believe something has happened when upgrading from the old Google Backup app to the new Google Drive.

I clearly see it in Apps & features, so it must have been installed, but there is no way to run the application. This is what I'm seeing when I try to uninstall it:

I tried to manually run this file from this folder, however I was denied access to it even with Administrator rights.

This is what I'm seeing when I'm trying to install it without uninstalling:

I tried to manually remove the Google Drive folder from the system and all its traces from the registry, however this did not help. I might have missed something.

Answer 1

Hi Dharlequin. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

They are apparently keeping Google Backup as I still have it and wasn't moved to Drive for Desktop. I also see here that there's still both:

Compare Backup and Sync & Google Drive for desktop - Google Drive Help

I would see if you can System Restore to a point before you started this as it may be the only way to undo the registry hacking and all else you've done: How to use System Restore on Windows 10 | Windows Central

Then start over to install Drive for Desktop from here:

Install and set up Google Drive for desktop - Google Workspace Learning Center

Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

Answer 2

Hi Greg!

Thank you for your reply.

I have shown you two screenshots with explanations that I can neither install it nor uninstall it, and you literally just advised me to do exactly this and that. Can you please read the original post?

Answer 3

Well then they've changed it was Google Desktop when I installed it myself about six months ago. I remember installing it over Google Backup, Drive didn't seem to be involved.

I wonder if hacking in the registry fatally messed it up. Can you System Restore to a point before this all started, and then start over?

Then try installing the upgraded Drive for Desktop from here:

Install and set up Google Drive for desktop - Google Workspace Learning Center

Answer 4

The link leads to Google Drive installation. Google Drive is the replacement for Google Backup & Sync.

These are images from the link you provided:

These is literally no word of Google Desktop.

Answer 5

It seems like they've changed it again. Now Backup is still there in addition to Desktop which is now called Drive for Desktop as a new Google drive that takes in VM's.

I still think your best bet is to try to System Restore to a point before you tried to install it, follow the steps in https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/99655...

If any further problems ask in the Google Help Community or Contact Support here as this is not a Microsoft Product:

https://support.google.com/drive/?hl=en#topic=1...