Error installing 7-PDF Maker

[Nymphus_A]

I am seriously thinking of changing my name to 'Mr. Have A-Prob'.

I want to install 7-PDF Maker, but keep getting this message ---

'The setup has detected that a actual version of 7-PDF Maker is currently installed under : C:\Programs Files (86)\7-PDF\7-PDF Maker
Please uninstall this version and start setup again, if you wishes to reinstall 7-PDF Maker again'.---

There is NO FILE by that name in that program file. Also there is nothing to uninstall as there is no program of that name on the list,.

Can anyone suggest how I get around this problem.

[J_L]

Try searching the registry for anything related to the product or company. Also, search the entire hard drive, not just Program Files. Fastest way to do both is with something like Everything/UltraSearch (won't search contents though) and a third-party registry editor (don't use them personally, so try Gizmo's Review). You should backup beforehand.

[Nymphus_A]

Originally Posted by J_L

Try searching the registry for anything related to the product or company. Also, search the entire hard drive, not just Program Files. Fastest way to do both is with something like Everything/UltraSearch (won't search contents though) and a third-party registry editor (don't use them personally, so try Gizmo's Review). You should backup beforehand.

JL Thanks.

Got copy of UltraSearch and ran it. There was an icon in an 'AppRoaming' file which I deleted, but the problem still persists.

NOW... THE REGISTRY .... EVERYTHING that I have read tells me that dummies like me should stay away from the Registry....

BUt the grey matter bubbles between the ears ... Would there be an editor, where if I typed the programs name and did a search, that it would give me all there is for that program, so it can be deleted SAFELY.

[Anupam]

Which version of Windows are you running? 64-bit?

I don't know much about 64-bit Windows. Does it have two Program Files folder, one normal, and another with (86)? Did you look in that Program Files folder with (86)?

Maybe turn on the setting to show hidden files and folders, to see if it shows something.

[sicknero]

I don't know of any programs that install themselves in both "Program Files" and "Program Files (x86)", but that isn't to say that some don't. I can't see a reason why this would happen though.

There are indeed some good 3rd party registry tools which you can use to search your registry (e.g. Nirsoft Regscanner, Resplendence Registrar, Aezay Registry Commander) but, they won't tell you whether or not entries can be safely deleted. Also not all registry entries that relate to the program in question will have that program's name, or indeed vice versa so unless you're reasonably confident I really wouldn't dive in there.

You could try running the uninstaller (as administrator) then one of the less aggressive registry cleaners like CCleaner or Wise, and then (making sure that your system is set to show hidden folders) have a good look though your Programs directory and AppData to make sure that all the files have been removed. I've also read good reports on here of an uninstaller called Geekuninstaller which should clean up after the uninstallation too, though I've not tried that myself.

However, none of these options are completely safe or foolproof. Personally I would want a back up image of my C drive before doing this kind of thing in case anything goes wrong. Having such a back up is always very useful anyway when trying out a new item of software such as you have.

Anyway, I'm quite intrigued by what has led to this problem for you in the first place, so I've found 7-pdf online and will try installing it here to see what happens.

[Nymphus_A]

Thanks - Anupam and Sicknero.

No. It is in neither on the 2 program files.

Can I ask PLEASE when making suggestions to put a little explanation...

'turn on the settings to show hidden files and folders' .. How do I do that.

'have a good look thru your AppData.. How do I do that

[Anupam]

Originally Posted by Nymphus_A

'turn on the settings to show hidden files and folders' .. How do I do that.

You still did not tell which version of Windows are you using. Please mention that when posting about issues.

Assuming you have Windows 7, here is how to show hidden files:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/w...w-hidden-files

Originally Posted by Nymphus_A

'have a good look thru your AppData.. How do I do that

After you turn on the setting to show hidden files, the AppData folder should be visible in the My Documents folder.

I have also changed the subject of the thread to better reflect what's inside it. Please use meaningful topics.

[sicknero]

Thank you Anupam.

I installed 7-Pdf and took a snapshot of my system before and after.

In 32-bit Windows 7 it installs itself into C:\Program Files\7-PDF\7-PDF Maker\ while in 64-bit Windows 7 it installs itself into C:\Program Files (x86)\7-PDF\7-PDF Maker\.

As well as this it also creates folders and files in C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\7-PDF, and in C:\Users\User Name\AppData\Roaming\7-PDF Maker.

It creates quite a few registry entries which seem mostly to involve the names PDFMaker, SevenPDF, and 7-PDF, although it also creates entries which have no name relating to the program.

From the problem that you describe, I can only think that at some point this program has been installed on your PC and somebody has deleted the program folder without running the uninstaller, or perhaps an installation was interrupted before it completed. Either way the uninstaller worked properly when I tried it here and I was able re-install 7-Pdf with no problems.

So if you've checked all the directory locations that I've mentioned, then I fear that you're left with having to locate the problem entry or entries in your system registry.

If you do take this option (e.g. with a third party registry searcher), just make sure that you don't delete any registry entries without backing them up first. A possible alternative would be to install 7-Pdf onto a different PC with the same operating system (using something like Comodo Programs Manager to make sure you can uninstall it again properly) and then copy the program directories from that machine onto the first one... this would allow you to run the uninstaller and hopefully solve the problem (or indeed, just use the program) although it's by no means guaranteed. Ideally you want to find somebody trustworthy and knowledgable enough to do these things for you, as it's a fiddly process to cover in a forum thread.

Another thing to be aware of with 7-Pdf is that the installer includes OpenCandy, which you can read about here - https://www.techsupportalert.com/con...e-software.htm - and which might make you think twice about choosing this program anyway.

[Nymphus_A]

I am running Windows 7 - 64 bit.

Did find the folders in the 'Common Files', and the 'AppData\Roaming' file, and deleted them (Thanks 4 that info as in the 3 files in AppData were many programs that I no longer had on, and a lot of empty files).

I used Nirsoft Regscanner, and did 4 searches - 3 based on the registry entries you mentioned , although I found zero entries for Seven PDF, and 7-PDF Maker. Copies were made and can be sent if necessary.

One of the entries I noticed corresponds with the error message. Would it be safe to delete it?

Then again Nirsofts readme note under 'Delete selected Keys/Values - I don't have a clue as to what is a value, key or subkey. So a little guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Anupam]

I think you should try installing once more, to see if it installs now. My guess is, it should, since the folders in the Common Files and AppData are removed now. I think there should be no need to delete the registry entries.

In case it does not install now, then you can think about deleting the registry entries.