Issue
After removing software from a PC you leave behind unused / old registry's and also folders from the removed software, this in some cases will prevent you from reinstalling the software
Environment
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows 8 8.1 and 10
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows Server 2012
Cause
This is due to the windows uninstall program not fully removing all elements for the software you are removing,
some of this is due to windows thinking you may have removed the software unintentionally and there for when you reinstall the software all your previous settings will still be saved, SQL is a good example of this as when you uninstall SQL the program folders that contain your database will remain intact.
In some cases this can also be a bad thing as usually we remove the software and reinstall again as there was a problem with the installation, this is when a complete removal off all components and registry's is needed
Resolution
The best solution for removing all the unused registry's is to use a program designed to remove obsolete registry's and temporary files.
Install the following program from the link provided, this program will allow you to clean up your PC by removing past installation components
https://filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
Also remove the relevant folders from within the windows explorer, Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\Continuum
Once done you should then be able to install a fresh clean copy of your software.
This solution is current in all versions of Windows including windows 10
Additional Information.
Another engineer has commented as follows;
Whilst I am a long-time user of CCleaner, I find that a program called "Revo Uninstaller" www.revouninstaller.com really does a better job in removing redundant folders / files / Registry entries.
I always use the 'Advanced' mode, and have never had any problems. As I repair computers in my spare time, this is a tool which I often use: Revo Uninstaller to remove unused software; CCleaner to get rid of all the Temp files etc and finally Defraggler to defragment the drives.
