Add or Remove Programs Feature in Windows 10 Finds a Program That Isn't There

Question

I have an interesting problem. I've seen plenty of MS forum discussion on what to do if an existing program doesn't appear in the Add or Remove Programs list--but, I believe that I have the opposite problem. A program appears on the list that I cannot for the life of me locate or, more importantly, uninstall from my C drive.

This is a problem because the program is supposedly consuming 11.4 Gb of storage that I would like to clear up.

The specific program in question is "Command & Conquer(tm) Red Alert (tm) 3 Worldbuilder". As shown in Pic01.jpg, Windows recognizes that this program is located somewhere on my C drive and consumes 11.4 Gb of storage space. However, clicking the "Uninstall" option for the program results in the error message seen in Pic02.jpg. This same problem is seen when trying the Control Panel --> Uninstall a Program route, as seen in Pic03.jpg.

As aforementioned, I tried to manually find the program using Windows Explorer's Search feature--using "Command & Conquer(tm)" as the search criteria. However, as seen in Pic04.jpg, no results were found.

I believe that this was due to a botched uninstall job on my part when I originally attempted to remove the program. That was months ago. Up until now, the 11.4 Gb of storage wasn't really needed but now I'd like it back.

Does anybody know what I can do to fix this storage issue?

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Answer 1

I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

You can install the program from a fresh download over itself for the purpose of being able to uninstall it.

If that fails go to C:\Program Files to see if you can find it in either folder. If so Take Ownership of the folder to delete it:

https://www.askvg.com/guide-how-to-take-ownersh...

https://www.askvg.com/add-take-ownership-option...

If that doesn't work then delete the folder from Repair Mode or Boot Mode Command Prompt where WIndows has no say, using the mini-explorer in Notepad same as shown here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Check first to see if you have restore point to before you installed the program that you can revert back to.

FYI just be aware this will uninstall any updates and apps that you have installed since then as well.

To do this go to start - settings - update and security - recovery - get started under the reset this PC.

If that does not work go to where the program is installed on your drive and look for executable file named uninst000.exe or uninstall.exe and try and use that.

If that does not work you can use a 3rd party like Revo Uninstaller to remove it.

Let me know how you make out.

Answer 3

Greg,

Your suggestion worked. I went to do a reinstall of the original program. Doing so offered the option to do a repair of the old setup rather than installing a new copy, so I opted with that. I then re-ran the installer and chose the Remove option to ensure that everything was indeed removed. Following these steps freed up the storage space.

Thank you for the suggestion!