removing lame app installation from 98SE

[SMCorp]

How can I remove an aborted program installation from the Windows 98SE add/remove programs list?

I moved my desktop 98SE computer for use in a new place and didn't have a cat. 5 cable long enough, so I tried to use wi-fi, by using an AirLink AWLL4030 Super G Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.

Bad move.

It was a new item I hadn't even tried since I got it at Fry's (which means it may have well been a defective return that they put right back where they always put it, on the shelf) 6 years ago, and one that claims to be for 98SE/2000/ME/XP, but since it came out in 2005, I fear it might be one of those products/apps that adds "98" to the compatibility list for no reason and does not work with it because no one ever tested it.

The CD won't even autorun, it blows up and makes a white box on the screen and goes no further. After a ton of workarounds (getting into it with Windows Explorer, using find hardware wizard, etc.), it not only would not install and work, but it has left a dead mention of itself in the add/remove programs list. It says "Atheros Client Installation Program" and it won't work.

Disregarding the fact that I can't make this work...

How can I get the mention of this program off the add/remove programs list?

Thank you.

[Murf]

Try ZSoft uninstaller HERE:

1st I would check if the program itself has a uninstaller. Find the folder and see if there is uninstall.exe. Double click it.

[SMCorp]

Thanks for taking the time to reply Murf. First, let me answer your next question, yes, my computer is plugged in. No, seriously, I came here looking for a hack to clean that entry out of the add/remove programs list, and it would not have come to that if the program were able to uninstall itself. It 1) doesn't have an uninstall.exe file on the CD, but no matter, it has the uninstall program on there otherwise and it does not work, as stated in my post and 2) the ZSoft Uninstaller doesn't do anything for it, all it does is fail at attempting to make the uninstallable Atheros app uninstall itself (as useless as a bootable floppy to fix a dead mobo), but this is in the help file which I read only after trying it:

The uninstall-routine for the program you have selected will now start. Please note, however, that this is the programs own uninstall-routine, and ZSoft Uninstaller does nothing to enhance this part.

Further, the quality of this/level of 98SE compatibility is just about level with the lame Atheros app that brought me here, as the ZSoft program itself CRASHED to a white box "(not responding)" when trying to continue with the "Do you want to seach for leftovers to the program?" option. People really need to stop making apps in 2010 and writing "98" on the compatibility list when they not only haven't fully tested it with 98, but haven't even used 98 in 10-12 years.

Anyhow, do you know how to---manually, without installing any crapware---remove this failed installation from my add/remove programs list? Thanks.

[Murf]

TweakUI PowerToy , which I used a lot when running Win 98 should remove it. I have a copy in "Murf's Garage" HERE

Tweakui

Also you can go into the registry and find the software's entry under:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall

[SMCorp]

Murf, thank you very much! I found the older TweakUI version 1.33 that works with Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows 95 at Annoyances.org, and it worked great. It removed the mention of that aborted program by brute force just as a needed.

This is an interesting I've never used, and I am glad to know about it. Finding I was able to turn off that ugly Microsoft blue sky 98 splash screen (after 1,000,000 views!) inspired me to finally hack my splash screen and customize it as often as I like.

Thanks.

[Murf]

Great glad you found it. WIN98SE, IMHO was the best Windows version MS put out, I still run it on my test setup desk....