Member Avatar for toothee

When I go to remove a program I receive this message, could not open INSTALL LOG program. Need help in how to proceed.
Thanks in advance

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The error "could not open INSTALL LOG" normally means the Windows Installer has lost or cannot access the product's registration/log information — often because the MSI entry or uninstall registry data is missing or corrupt. 's reinstall idea and the cleanup approach suggested by and are both valid starting points; this adds a safer, stepwise way to try both recovery and manual removal without causing further system problems.

First try the supported repair path: run Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter (the supported replacement for the old Windows Installer Cleanup tool) to detect and fix broken uninstall records. If the original installer is available, run it and choose Repair (or reinstall) so the MSI registration and log are recreated. Check Event Viewer → Windows Logs → Application for "MsiInstaller" entries to capture error codes or a Product GUID that will help targeted fixes.

If the installer/repair route fails, locate the product's uninstall info in the registry (HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall and on 64-bit systems also under WOW6432Node). Copy the UninstallString or ProductCode (GUID) and remove MSI-based installs directly from an elevated command prompt, for example:

msiexec /x {PRODUCT-GUID}

If the UninstallString points to an executable, run it elevated with the appropriate switch. Use the registry only to obtain the exact uninstall command — avoid blind key deletions.

Always create a System Restore point and export any registry keys before editing. After uninstalling, remove remaining program folders, services, scheduled tasks, and shortcuts, then reboot. Avoid mass-deleting C:\Windows\Installer contents (this can break other installers). A registry cleaner can help remove orphaned entries but only after backups; prefer the Microsoft troubleshooter first. This sequence expands on the earlier suggestions while adding safe recovery and guided manual removal steps.

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Member Avatar for PsychicTide

Just found this post... hope it will help

Could also try reinstalling the program to create a new install log to then uninstall the program if you can't find one...

Member Avatar for kaninelupus

Just as aside, not all apps actaully provide an install log, or at the least in the location you would expect it to be (wonderful I know). In this case the best course of action is three-phase (and this is only after exhausting all uninstall attempts, including looking for add-on uninstallers or "cleaners" for the application at hand):

  • Delete app folder
  • DL CCleean (also known as Crap Cleaner) and perform the following actions:
    • Delete the install entry for the app at hand
    • Run a registry clean to remove any orphaned entries

As I said, this is only a last-ditch method, if all other methods have been exhausted.

Member Avatar for Suspishio

Except for one detail, kaninelupus has offered sound advice.

The difference is not to bother with the "last resort" warning. If an application can't be removed by system provided tools, just delete the app folder, clean the registry and reboot.

No messing about.

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