Add/Remove Program does not populate

Windows XP, SP2:

One of our computers needs to install an updated program. However, the old one has to be removed first. When the Add/Remove Programs is selected in Control Panel, the screen is blank and it says "Populating programs...". You can leave that screen on all day and not a single program appears on the screen - just blank. I know it is full of programs because everything is working OK. Will I have to reinstall windows?

Jim :cry

 

Click on Start > Run > and type regsvr32 appwiz.cpl > OK

Now check and see if Add/Remove populates.

Steve

 

Thank you, Steve, for the prompt reply.

I tried you suggestion. The screen has been sitting blank all morning. Guess I'll have to reinstall Win XP. Will I lose all my data and programs?

BTW, born Chattanooga, matriculated ETSU. Go Vols beat Vandy!

Jim

 

Make sure it is blank, can you scroll down?

Steve

 

No, the screen just shows a blank list with the message, "Please wait while the list is being populated...". No hour glass, no error messages.

Jim

 

OK. Sometimes there is just a large blank white space before the programs list and you have to scroll down too see it. Usually happens when AutoCad is installed.

Do you have an external hard drive connected to the computer? If so, unhook it and try Add/Remove again.

If that doesn't work click on Start > Run, and type sfc /scannow

This is the XP system file checker, it will check for problems in vital system files. Might take up to 30 minutes depending, have your XP cd handy.

Steve

ps. I really like Chattanooga. Worked down in that area for about 3 years, collected alot of the fish for the aquarium when it opened. Nice place.

 

Thank you, Steve. It turned out to be the Maxtor One-Touch external drive. I disconnected it and the Add/Remove screen populated.

BTW, I had to reformat the external drive.

Jim :cool

 

OK. Your welcome my friend.

Steve