Issues with 'Add/Remove'

When I go into my control panel and click on Add/Remove, I get a list of stuff that cannot be removed from my computer. I also have stuff that I know is on my computer that DOESN'T come up to be removed. What is going on? I've been to the trend micro website and run their HouseCall and it found nothing on my computer. This is what is listed in the Add/Remove...

Adobe Reader 7.0.8
AiO_scan
AiOSoftware
BufferCHM
CameraDrivers
Copy
CP_AtenaShokunin1Config
cp_dwSharkTaleAlbums1
cp_dwSharkTaleCards1
cp_dwShrek2Albums1
cp_dwShrek2Cards1
CP_PLSBusinessFlyers
CreativeProjects
CreativeProjectsTemplates
CueTour
Destinations
Director
DocProc
DocumentViewer
Fax
HP Deskjet Preloaded Printer Drivers
HP Diagnostic Assistant
HP Software Update
HPIZplus450
HpSdpAppCoreApp
InstantShare
JS2E Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 2
JS2E Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 4
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_03
LightScribe 1.4.31.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft Office 2000 Professional
Microsoft Visual J# .NEW Redistributable Package 1.1
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB927978)
PanoStandAlone
PC-Doctor for Windows
PhotoGallery
PrintScreen
PSPrinter06
QFolder
QuickProjects
Readme
Scan
SkinsHP1
TrayApp
Tweakui Powertoy for Windows XP
Unload
WebFldrs XP
WebReg
Windows Genuine Advantage v1.3.0254.0

When I click on any of them, there is no option to remove. All it tells me is how often it's been used and the size. What is going on here?

Please note, this is also posted at another help site, I am just trying to get my computer working properly.

Thanks!

 

Try This:

http://www.winxptutor.com/arpbuttons.htm

 

I think it's a little more deeper than that.. That list I put up of the items in the add/remove list, wasn't a full list. There's at least 50 apps not listed in my control panel. Is there anything I can download that can clean or repair the registry or add/remove list?

 

You might want to have a look at Your Uninstaller! 2006

Also check out CCleaner

 

Hey, I tried Regedit and when I got to the Uninstall key, it was empty.

 

I just downloaded CCleaner and even that showed the same list of items in my remove list. Something is definately wrong here...

 

Ok, how about this for strange.. Before downloading CCleaner, I went into the registry and it had nothing listed in the uninstall. After downloading, installing and running CCleaner, I went back into the registry and took a look... CCleaner was the only item listed. Any ideas? I'm lost...

 

I don't like flooding, but it looks like all the apps missing in the Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall key are listed in the registry in HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Management\APRCache. Could something have corrupted my registry? I have no problems doing anything with my computer. All my programs work. I just can't get into the add/remove screen to remove any items.

 

Did you try Your uninstaller ?

 

Have you tried System Restore?

 

No, and I'm not quite sure if I want to. Won't I lose anything?

 

no, its like a replacement for Add/Remove programs.

 

Actually chugg, that last post of mine was for Kniht. Sorry. I didn't try Your Uninstaller. I did search and try a program called Windows Cleaner, which oddly enough, my AVS found a trojan on... Still no resolutions to my dilemma.

 

If your question addresses System Restore, you will only lose programs you have installed after the System Restore point. Otherwise you may have to do a registry repair which is more of a hassle than System Restore.

 

Kniht,

Well, I don't know when or if I ever made a backup to restore to... What do I need to do to restore a registry?

 

Check this out:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

A Restore would be less hassle.

 

I'm just really nervous about doing the restore. I don't want to lose anything. I have alot of pictures of my daughter and stuff that I can't afford to lose. I have never done a restore, so does that mean that my computer would revert to the first boot? If so, I have too many things I wouldn't be able to find or restore. If I'm not having any problems with my computer, and I can use the Start Menu folder to remove apps, would it be a major problem if I left the registry the way it is?

 

"System Restore does not affect your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or e–mail) so you won't lose changes made to these files. System Restore won't touch any files you've stored in the My Documents folder. It swears it won't touch any of your other data files, either. But to be on the safe side, keep your most savored data in the My Documents folder".

Since your photos are probably stored in your MY Documents folder under My Pictures or My photos, you won't lose any photos. I know your concern, I have many photos of my Grandkids. I have used System Restore several times and have lost no data.

You may want to read this:

http://camtech2000.net/SystemRestore/index.html

Actually, leaving your registry the way it is won't hurt anything other than not being able to uninstall programs through Add/Remove. But there are other ways to uninstall programs. A lot of applications come with their own uninstaller.

May I suggest you download ERUNT. ERUNT is the best way to backup your registry should events of this nature occurr in the future. The program is easy to use, does a great job, and has saved my butt on a number of occassions.

download here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download1267.html

 

Just wanted to thank you for convincing me to restore the system. I tried to install some Christmas savers this weekend and I have a feeling that they were the culprit to my registry issues. My system is restored to what it was last Friday. Thanks for your help.

Steve

 

So your Add/Remove is back to normal? The first time I used System Restore I clicked the button and walked out of the room in case my PC was to self destruct! Good thing System Restore worked for you otherwise you'd be hunting down my IP address! Darn good thing I live way back up here in the mountains!

I know how frustrating problems such as you had can be. Glad I could help.