add/remove program list not populating

As the thread title. On a friends pc, running XP, (not sure which version) when you attempt to open the add/remove program list, it seems to open and says "populating", and then completely fails to populate.

Have tried the wizzapp.cpl and it has the same problem, searched for it and can't find it on the machine.

So, any ideas what the cause might be? Anyone have any experience of fixing this problem?

Cheers

Scoobs

 

How long did you wait to see whether it would populate?

Well, since wizzapp.cpl is not a valid file name, I would hope you don't find it. Have you searched for appwiz.cpl?

What's the status of that computer in terms of maintenance as recommended in Basic computer maintenance everyone should do?

 

Try running Dial-A-Fix. Check all the boxes in the 'Registration Center' and click 'Go'. You can also click the 'Tools' button and see if something is listed that looks helpful....
Dial-A-Fix http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4899.html

 

Sorry usaf, of course I meant appwiz.cpl.

I left it overnight (more than 8 hours) and still no population of the list.

I'll point them in the direction of dial a fix, can't get to the computer at the moment.

Thanks for the advice.

Scoobs