Hi

First post and already looking for help.
I'm in trouble trying to uninstall an old version of Adobe Reader 7.0.8. which prevents me from downloading PDF files. I have attempted to uninstall the programe via Add or Remove programmes but receive the following message: - "This package could not be opened. Verify that the patch package exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this a valid Windows Installer patch package" When I first encountered the problem about a month ago I somehow found a MS programme removal tool/programme which I have now 'lost'. As I am a S.O.B. silver surfer I would be grateful for any help. I am unable to install the latest Adobe Reader 8.0 until I can succesfully remove the old version.

Benbecula

Don't know if this is the tool you lost but as you refer to a possible Windows Installer issue you might try it.

Description of the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility

Look for any Adobe entries and remove.

Also:

Uninstall Programs Manually

Just because Windows XP has the Add/Remove Programs feature it doesn't mean your application will appear in the list. Furthermore, even if it does appear, it's no guarantee that the uninstall feature will work. When you run across one of these situations the items listed below will help in getting rid of the application. Be aware that these steps may not remove everything associated with the application and can impact other applications on the computer. Have a backup or restore point and use caution.

*

Find the directory for the application and delete all the files in the directory. Delete the directory. e.g. click C: under My Computer then Program Files etc.
*

Open regedit (start/run regedit) and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE and find the folder for the application. Delete the folder.
*

Open regedit and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE and find the folder for the application. Delete the folder.
*

To remove the application entry from Add/Remove Programs (if present) open regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall and find the folder for the application. Delete the folder.
*

Some applications have Services attached to them. If this is the case, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Servic es, locate and delete the service.
*

In Windows Explorer, navigate to the individual user settings and delete program references. Common places to check would be:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs and delete relevant entries.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and delete relevant entries.
C:\Documents and Settings\%YourUserID%\Start Menu\Programs and delete relevant entries.
[Do this for each User ID listed]
C:\Documents and Settings\%YourUserID%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and delete relevant entries.
[Do this for each User ID listed]

If no entries were found in the previous step and the application launches automatically, navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
and delete the entry.

Thank you jephree,
Just like the US cavalry you have saved the day and my blushes. The Windows Installer CleanUp Utility is the application which disappeared into the mists of time, probably with a lot of assistance from myself. (I foolishly attempted a 'Restore' in a feeble attempt to resolve my problem). I really do appreciate the comprehensive instructions, with added cautions which you have included for my benefit.

Benbecula

ps pretty cute avatar

Thanks for the thanks.

Did that clear up your Adobe issue?

Sorry I didn't get back to you but I have now successfully deleted the old programmes using your criteria and installed Adobe Reader 8.0. I had to repeat the procedure, perhaps because I didn't follow your instructions to the letter. However all is well now.
Many thanks
Look forward to your assistance again .
Regards
Benbecula

Glad to hear all is well.

Let us know if we can help further in the future,