WLM won't go away!

Category: Geeks r Us

Post 1 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Friday, 11-Sep-2009 12:16:06

Ok guys, I thought I did a thorough job of uninstall windows live, but I'm still finding bits and pieces of it.

I'm finding some in my application data folder, in my common files folder under programs, and a few other locations. I'd have to look at my search again.

What is ok to delete? If there is a windows live folder and it is empty, is it safe to delete?

Why does this stuff not completely delete from the system? It is so frustrating!

My plan tonight is to reinstall wlm, with some sighted assistance, but only messenger. Last time all this other crap came along for the ride and the wlm program balooned to over 100mb. I don't want all that other stuff!

It is disappointing that window eyes 7.1 doesn't seem fully compatible with the latest version. Beginning with the install, it isn't clear when you are selecting a program to install or unchecking some of them. Also, the sounds tab under options isn't working properly with win-eyes.

*Smile,* right now, I just want to rid myself of all older installs, so I can have a clean install tonight.

Thanks so much for your guidance.

Post 2 by Liz (The Original) on Friday, 11-Sep-2009 20:31:42

I think you should be fine to delete the program folder for WLM. Did you check your control pannel, add/remove programs to see that everything related to WLM is uninstalled? If you want, I can try and help with this. Feel free to send me a private message or something.

Post 3 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Friday, 11-Sep-2009 23:48:22

Hi there, yep, everything is gone from add/remove.

I used revo uninstaller, because the add/remove button wasn't responding for wlm. After this, I ran CCleaner, both the clean option and fix registry.

Phew, that was my first time running the fix clean registry, but it seemed pretty simple and streight forward.

With all of this, I thought that was a pretty thorough job. I was quite surprised to do a windows search and find more wlm leftovers!

Are you thinking I should manually delete these leftovers? Should that complete the job?

I can do another windows search and post more spacific information if that would be helpful.

I recall for sure the program filescommon fileswindows live. The odd thing about that one, is it says it is 90 something mb, but the folder is empty.

The other location I remember is documents & settings, user name, application datamicrosoftwindows live and windows live call.

Thank you for any further assistance.

Polka Dot

Post 4 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 12-Sep-2009 0:08:26

Okay! Smile! The first issue is installing only messenger. Windows live is a set of programs including messenger. When installing Windows live you must uncheck the things you don't want installed, like parental control or whatever. Yes I know you'll not see a check box, but just assume it is there. Delet it manually from any place you find it it will not hurt. The reason some things stay is they assume you'll want them after you come to your senses you see. Lol. Lots of programs are the same. You'll have to play with installing only messenger, and I use Jaws so can tell you exactly the way, but these check boxes don't show, but are actually there, so uncheck all you don't want. Delete all you don't want and it's cool.

Post 5 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Monday, 14-Sep-2009 17:46:06

Oy, every time I go to reinstall wlm, it tells me I already have the programs. Any suggestions on how I can fix this?

I have come across the following website:
http://messengergeek.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!E3785B1281BBDA1!3332.entry?dir=Last

And it suggesting typing this:
msiexec /x {A85FD55B-891B-4314-97A5-EA96C0BD80B5}
in the run dialogue box.

Lol, no clue if I can trust this bit of advice though, and I don't want to get in further trouble with my laptop.

The website also has some zap messenger utility.

Apon further inspection, the website has many of those type the following in the run dialogue box. What do you guys think?

Thank you so much!

Post 6 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Monday, 14-Sep-2009 18:14:21

Ok, so I have gone into regedit, and before anyone gasps thinking what has she done!? *grin*

I only looked around. No deleting or copying anything. Boy, is it interesting in there! I would love to learn more and get comfortable! Talk about the keys to my system.

Anyway, I found the spot under uninstall and there is no windows live listed. I take it, this is bad news.

However, what I have found, is windows live under a different location. I know I'm not writing the following properly, but hopefully you'll know where I mean.

local machine, software, microsoft, windows live.

Now, that I have this information, what do I do? *Smile,* scary time!

Post 7 by monkeypusher69 (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Monday, 14-Sep-2009 19:51:37

Did you try deleting it manually from the places you mentioned in the first few post? And a reason why a folder could say 90 mb and be empty is because it contains hidden files and you don't have your computer set to show hidden files.

Post 8 by forereel (Just posting.) on Tuesday, 15-Sep-2009 0:52:32

Try searching for it first. Delete it from where you find it afteer the search comes up. Now after that look under your program files and it might only say MSG. Where are you trying to install the new program from? Normally it will override the install and reinstall, and repair it? What operating system are you using? Last Microsoft will support you with this. Call them, you might need to have the registry keys reset, and they'll do this for you.

Post 9 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Tuesday, 15-Sep-2009 18:23:26

Ok, I've done 2 searches, including hidden files, and have deleted everything I've found.

The keys remain in the registry and it isn't just windows live messenger, it is the full meal deal. Mail, Family safety, writer, photo, etc.

I've now downloaded, from microsoft, windows install cleanup utility. All of the files above, appear inside this list. I'm going to wait for sighted assistants to run this utility. It is not clear when I'm selecting a program, and I don't want to mess up. It has my entire list of programs!

Hopefully, this will work! I read on another website about a deep clean, but I think I'll try this first.

What do you all think...? Should I create a restore point before doing this, or maybe there is no going back?

Thanks for all your help!

Post 10 by monkeypusher69 (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Tuesday, 15-Sep-2009 18:52:20

yeah let us know how that microsoft utility works and i suppose a restore point wouldn't hurt.

Post 11 by forereel (Just posting.) on Tuesday, 15-Sep-2009 22:37:54

Your computer should automaticly make restore points, if not set it so it does. A restore point is always a good idea when fooling around. You goof, you don't have to cry, just restore it. Smile. Again the boys and girls at Microsoft will be your eyes due to this being a new product, and you allow them to connect to your system and you can listen to what they do to repare you issue as it's being done, then you delete the program and your ready to chat. I just think a rule of thumb is if you're not sure how to repair a goof, or have the repair mapped out before venturing on a task, leave it be, or get pro support. Smile. When geeking as a blind person a spare computer is always needed so you have time to fix your fooling around, and don't lose the use of a computer. It's fun though, but not for the faint at heart. Lol. I always try new things with these steps in mind.
Now go get it girl!