Problems with Windows XP uninstaller

had XP SP2 forever, problem just started...

[ForceFed]

Hi guys. I'll start off with the basics:
Windows XP SP2
P4 Northwood 2.6 ghz
512mb PC3200 DDR
Foxconn 865A01 Mobo
FX 6200

Ok, this problem just started within the last week or so(that I've noticed). Today I tried to uninstall Nero version 6 to make way for the new Nero 7 that I just picked up. Anyways, I opened up Add/Remove Programs list and tried to remove Nero 6. I received a message saying:
"An error occured while trying to remove Nero 6. It may have already been uninstalled. Would you like to remove Nero 6 from the Add or Remove program list?"

Now, I know that I hadn't lost my mind and that Nero 6 was installed so just for kicks I clicked on every other program in the list and acted as if I was going to remove it and I received the same message each time. I haven't deleted Nero 6 or any other programs for that matter until I figure out what this problem is. I checked Microsoft's website but I don't see anything related to my problem. Does anyone have any ideas? How can I fix my Windows Uninstaller and restore it to a working order? Thanks in advance for any help.

[jdMorgan]

Sounds like your "ARP cache" (Add-Remove Programs list) is corrupted. You can either investigate that line of research, try System Restore, or reinstall WIndows.

Before doing that though, I'd want to scan the machine for ad-ware, malware, viruses, and trojans to be sure there's not some obvious reason that the ARP list got corrupted...

Jim

[ForceFed]

Hi Jim, Thanks for the reply.

I'm pretty sure I'm running a pretty clean PC. I use Zone Alarm as my firewall, run my connection through a router to help filter out a little bit of junk and then I use a combination of Spyware Doctor scan at start-up followed by Ad-Aware SE Professional and Spybot S&D daily. I also clear my Java cache daily as well. Usually if I suspect a virus i'll run Trend Micro's Housecall.

I'd really like not to reinstall Windows if possible.

[bill]

If you were considering the re-installation of Windows keep in mind that a repair install will keep most everything intact. A repair install replaces your system files with the original ones on your XP CD. It will leave applications and settings intact. You will however have to go to windows Update to reapply any patches or updates. A full backup would be recommended before trying this though.

[ForceFed]

Hi Bill, thanks for the info. I was not aware that I could do a repair installation.
I'm not sure that I'll be able to do a System Restore since I disabled it to free up some disk space and system resources(oops!). For now I'll try to research my problem a little bit more and if I have to, just deal with not being able to uninstall programs ATM. When I get a chance to back up 30+gigs of data then I might try the repair installation and see if that helps. If anyone else has any other ideas, they are most welcome. Thanks to all who replied! :)