Using the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility in Windows XP

by Greg Shultz | Feb 01, 2006 2:49:00 PM

Tags: Operating systems, Greg Shultz, Windows Installer CleanUp Utility, Windows Installer CleanUp, Windows Installer, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows XP, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: Can't uninstall an application using Windows XP? The Windows Installer CleanUp Utility may be able to help you wash your Windows clean.

Not able to remove or uninstall an application in Windows XP using either the Uninstall option or the Add/Remove Programs tool? Try using the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility. As long as you installed the application using the Windows Installer, this utility will remove all the folders, files, registry keys, and entries from your system and allow you to start over with a clean slate.

Here's how:

1. Download the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility from the Microsoft Download Center.
2. Locate and run msicuu2.exe to install the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility.
3. Locate and launch the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility on the Start menu.
4. From the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility window, locate the application in the list and click the Remove button.
5. Once the application has been removed, click the Exit button to close the utility.

You may now reinstall the application.

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

This is a great tool. fmendez | 02/01/06

I agree bcarr@... | 02/02/06

Where is the tool bill@... | 02/09/06

Knowledge base article and d/l retstg@... | 02/10/06

how about 98, Me, 2Kpro ludedude25@... | 02/02/06

older versions Tom C L | 02/03/06

This is a terrific tool that really works. karjo01@... | 02/02/06

Interesting pkr@... | 02/06/06

I am getting an error message majormom@... | 02/02/06

When you renamed the file... PsiFiScout | 02/02/06

Rename & re-download majormom@... | 02/03/06

Wrong architecture ??? andy@... | 12/28/07

Another patch..... pkr@... | 02/03/06

Where is it??? bill@... | 02/07/06

Doesn't work with Novell ken@... | 02/10/06

Novell uninstall rickky | 02/12/06

No uninstall ken@... | 02/15/06

You want unc32.exe neilb@... | 02/15/06

thanks - it works celeastar@... | 03/06/06

Cannot find Utility jimdeese@... | 02/02/06

scroll? ElCuervo | 02/02/06

CCleaner is better ron.dondelinger@... | 02/02/06

ccleaner utility stargate1121@... | 02/02/06

Stargate Jeffporsche | 02/02/06

Try downloads from www.filehippo.com ron.dondelinger@... | 02/02/06

Not always - The Ms ultility actually deinstalls the software damunzy | 02/02/06

This Shouldn't Be Necessary! Are you listening, Microsoft? dAVErSF | 02/02/06

Can't MS for everything. Users must also be held accountable liqour43@... | 02/02/06

This Shouldn't Be Necessary! Are you listening, Microsoft? dAVErSF | 02/02/06

RE: This Shouldn't Be Necessary! Are you listening, Microsoft? PoconoChuck | 02/03/06

Back then the battle cry was uniformity ebs@... | 02/06/06

null pkr@... | 03/04/06

people find fault because richard@... | 02/28/06

Handy ian@... | 02/02/06

Cautions - Downloading ozz969 | 02/03/06

Only for Windows Installed Apps?? mrlewp | 02/04/06

Very Handy! I use a free reg cleaner. MrMat@... | 02/28/06

it's work for windows 2003 too fkhairul@... | 01/02/07

RE: Using the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility in Windows XP lady_leather_pants@... | 02/21/08

RE: Using the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility in Windows XP banej@... | 01/12/09