Windows XP OS harddrives

[Phil_Christina]

What increases disk space on hard drives? Also, what files/or folders are safe to delete. Especially, if the disk clean up utility doesn't do enough clean up to free up disk space?:o

[Phil_Christina]

We can't seem to remove the "Adobe Reader 7.0.8" version from the add/remove programs it can't be uninstalled? We contacted adobe.com, and it appears many people are facing/or having this problem. You would think adobe would of found a better way of fixing these problems than a "microsoft windows clean up utility!"


BTW, microsoft has these updates that get downloaded from their websites on to our computer but we have updates from last year still in the add/remove programs as well. Are they safe to be removed? What do we do? They are dated from april to now. Please advise? thanks ...

[L. D. James]

On the Adobe Program, the advice would depend on some details:

1) What happens when you run the remove routine in Add/Remove?
2) What happens when you try to run the program? What type of error message you get?
3) Where is the program files located on the hard drive?


On the Microsoft Updates:

Those patches provided by Microsoft are incremental updates. Unless you’re extremely sure of a particular update that has a known and published flaw or undesired effect, I can’t imagine a reason to pick one to remove.


-- L. James

---------
L. D. James
ljames@apollo3.com
www.apollo3.com/~ljames

[L. D. James]

How are you doing, Phil.

First I would like to welcome you to the system. Next, please be patient to use the “User Menu” (http://forum.apollo3.com/dcboard.php?az=user&saz=change_account_info ) option to fix your name field. It asks for “Full Name” and the ampersand “&” is not an alphabet. There should be only alphabets there, and a “real” full name.

We don’t have a lot of rules on this site. However the “real name” rule is firm. This will eliminate trouble makes from the site. In our experience, over the years, sites that use real names always have a much higher integrity than sites that don’t.

It’s not necessary for two people to share the same account, since it’s easy for the two to automatically get their individual account.

As far as answers to your questions, any download, or installed program will use space on the hard drive.

It’s always safe to remove files from the temporary areas such as “%temp%” and c:\temp and c:\tmp. Typing “%temp%” in the Start --> Run field will take the user to the main temporary file storage area. Many programs will use those areas for temporary work files, but don’t clean them out when the program finishes running. Going to “My Computer” and right clicking on the hard drive, then clicking on “Disk Cleanup” will give the user the option of cleaning up those files areas just mentioned, plus a number of other file areas. I’m sure that’s the option that you were referring to when you mentioned “Disk Cleanup”.

A person might consider removing applications they don’t use by going to the “Add/Remove” feature in the control panel. Most of the program removal tools will leave data files on the computer. You’ll have to manually go to the area where those programs were filed and remove those folders after the uninstall.

Often a user’s “My Documents” area grows extremely big. Many programs will store temporary files there. Some CDRom utilities will store whole cdroms in the My Documents area. If you have more than one drive in your system, you might consider making a storage area on the drive with more space to store files in the My Documents area that are not currently being used, but you might want to recall later. You might also consider backing up the older files in the “My Documents” area to CD or DVD and removing them from the main computer drive.

-- L. James

-----------------
L. D. James
ljames@apollo3.com
www.apollo3.com/~ljames

[Phil_Christina]

This is what happens:

1) "1635 This patch package could not be opened. Verify that the patch package exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid Windows Installer patch package."

2) The adobe viewer configured on your PC for files of type 'pdf' could not be launched.

3) C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs



This whole nightmare started when i was in the process of using adobe reader 7.0 as a viewer on a website to pull up a link to read information then a automatic update pop up stating my version 7.0.8 is out of date to upgrade to 7.0.9 as i did it removed the older previous versions but didn't complete its installation upgrade! What it did do is say: Error message: Acrobat
7.0\Setup Files\RdrBig\ENU\Adobe Reader 7.0.msi' cannot be found.
Verify you have acess to this location and try again, or try to find the installation package "Adobe Reader 7.0.msi' in a folder from which you installed the product Adobe Reader 7.0.8?? I was upgrading to 7.0.9 and during the process it was removing the older version.

I am afraid to use The Microsoft Windows Installer Clean Up utility because of the warning message:

Warning: The Microsoft Windows Installer Clean Up utility only removes registry entries created by the application installer. Files and other registry entries for the application are not removed by this utility and could cause inadvertent effects on the system if not removed. If you use this utility, you may have to reinstall other programs that use MSI (Microsoft installer). Caution is advised.

I have the Microsoft Office 2003 installed by Microsoft installer that i am concern about that may be effected by clean up utility? this has cause us grief for over a week we loss the windows conponents: calculator, paintbrush, and games trying to rectify things in the process. We can't download a fax from our callwave because we don't have this adobe viewer configured on our PC for files of type 'pdf' to print out a fax! We can't move pass this: we can't remove it and can't install a new version it won't let us do neither.

It tells us to remove the adobe in the registry keys! We don't want to touch them or attempt we are not skill in this area.


From adobe: Note: Acrobat or Reader will attempt to remove earlier versions of Acrobat or Reader if they reside on the machine.


Remove the Acrobat or Reader Windows Installer registry key.

Disclaimer: The Windows registry contains information critical to your computer and applications. Adobe does not provide support for problems that arise from improper modification of the registry. Adobe recommends you have experience editing system files before you modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before modifying it. For more information on the Windows Registry Editor, refer to your Windows User Guide or contact Microsoft Technical Support.

Important: Verify that the correct registry key is selected. When viewing a path of HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Features\68AB67CA33010 04F7869010000000020, only the 68AB67CA3301004F7869010000000020 key should be selected. If the name does not match exactly, do not select the item.

1. Choose Start > Run.

2. In the Open box, type regedit and then click OK.

3. In the Registry Editor, select the appropriate Acrobat registry key:

-- For the Retail, Volume, and Tryout versions of Acrobat 6.x remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\Prod ucts\68AB67CA330100007706000000000010

-- For the Retail version of Acrobat 7.x Standard remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Standard

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-1033-0000-BA7E-000000000002}

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Features\68AB67CA33010 000ABE7010000000020

-- For the Volume version or Acrobat 7.x Standard remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Standard - V

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-1033-0000-BA7E-100000000002}

-- For the Retail version of Acrobat 7.x Professional remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\MicrosoftWindows\Curre ntVersion\Uninstall\{Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-1033-0000-7760-100000000002}

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Features\68AB67CA33010 0007706000000000020

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\68AB67CA33010 0007706000000000020

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\68AB67CA33010 04F7869010000000020

-- For the Volume version of Acrobat 7.x Professional remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\MicrosoftWindows\Curre ntVersion\Uninstall\{Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\MicrosoftWindows\Curre ntVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-1033-F200-7760-100000000002}

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\68AB67CA33010 0007706000000000020

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Features\68AB67CA33010 04F7706010000000020

-- For the Tryout version of Acrobat 7.x Professional remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-1033-F400-8796-100000000002}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\Adobe Acrobat 7.0 - Tryout Professional - English, Francais, Deutsch

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Features\68AB67CA33010 04F7869010000000020

-- For the Acrobat 7.0.5 update remove:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Patches\8E768F6B290FE5 C4ABE7CA07B58AFE54

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Patches\8E768F6B290FE5C47706CA077567FE54

-- For the Acrobat 7.0.7 update remove:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Patches\4371A2FE6B2AB6 445BE50054FFD448D9

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Patches\4371A2FE6B2AB6445BE50054FFD448D9

-- For the Acrobat 7.0.8 update remove:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Patches\4371A2FE6B2AB6 445BE50054FFD448E9

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Patches\4371A2FE6B2AB6445BE50054FFD448E9

-- For Reader 6.0.1 remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Feat ures\68AB67CA7DA73301B7440A0000000010

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Prod ucts\68AB67CA7DA73301B7440A0000000010

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Products\68AB67CA7DA7330167647A0000000000

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-7AD7-1033-7B44-A00000000001}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Acrobat Reader

-- For Reader 7.0.0 remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Feat ures\68AB67CA7DA7330167647A0000000000

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Prod ucts\68AB67CA7DA7330167647A0000000000

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Products\68AB67CA7DA7330167647A0000000000

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-7AD7-1033-7646-A70000000000}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Acrobat Reader

-- For Reader 7.0.5 remove:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Features\68AB67CA3301B 7447A50000000000020

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\68AB67CA3301B 7447A50000000000020

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Products\68AB67CA3301B7447A50000000000020

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-7AD7-1033-7B44-A70500000002}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Acrobat Reader

-- For Reader 7.0.7 remove:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Features\68AB67CA7DA73 301B7447A7000000020

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\68AB67CA7DA73 301B7447A7000000020

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Products\68AB67CA7DA73301B7447A7000000020

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-7AD7-1033-7B44-A70700000002}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Acrobat Reader

-- For Reader 7.0.8 remove:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Features\68AB67CA7DA73 301B7447A8000000020

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\68AB67CA7DA73 301B7447A8000000020

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Products\68AB67CA7DA73301B7447A8000000020

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\{AC76BA86-7AD7-1033-7B44-A70800000002}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Acrobat Reader

4. Click Edit > Delete.

5. Select Yes when prompted to confirm the deletion.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 on the remainder of the registry keys and any listed updates that have been applied.

7. Exit Registry Editor.

Background information

This behavior may occur if the Windows Installer registry entries are damaged. Removing these entries and reinstalling the product can resolve the issue.

[Phil_Christina]

<c:\program files\Adobe and look for the subdirectory>


I went to delete the Acrobat 7.0 folder and i got an error message: Cannot delete AcroIEHelper.dll: It is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again.

I have no idea what could be using it. I don't see anything visible thats in use?? what do i do now?

[L. D. James]

Hi, Phil.

It appears the files are not loaded on your computer, from your item #1 and #2 references. For the #3 reference, you're showing me were the menu item is located. I need to know where the files are located.

Browse your hard drive, such as c:\program files\Adobe and look for the subdirectory. Since it's not working and can't automatically be removed, we'll try to manually remove it. So, delete the Acrobat 7.x subdirectory. If you have any other Acrobat subdirectories, remove them also.

After you've done this cleanup, download (if you haven't already) the latest version, which is Version 8. Then install that version.

-- L. James

--------------------
L. D. James
ljames@apollo3.com
www.apollo3.com/~ljames

[L. D. James]

You will have to delete the files before they load. You can do this by starting Windows in safe mode, then delete the folder.

You can get into safe mode by hitting the F8 key when you first boot Windows. Hit the F8 key when you hear the beep after the reset (or when turning the computer on).

By the way, what's the size of your hard drive? How much used space and available space do you have?

-- L. James

------------
L. D. James
ljames@apollo3.com
www.apollo3.com/~ljames

[Phil_Christina]

I did restart it in "Windows in safe mode" and try to delete the files but i still got the error message as stated (error message in previous post) above. It still won't delete? why???

[L. D. James]

They won't delete because some of files have already loaded.

Try deleting the files one by one. Then after you've deleted as many as you can, try restarting the computer and deleting more.

After you've deleted as many as you can between restarts, then try installing Version 8.

By the way, you didn't answer the size of your hard drive and how much space you have free.

-- L. James

--------------
L. D. James
ljames@apollo3.com
www.apollo3.com/~ljames

[Phil_Christina]

Still trying to delete the adobe reader 7.0 file still didn't delete.


The hard drive fills up completely where it gets critical .... but i try to compress the harddrive it seems to save disk space but then after a few days it looses the free compress space again. I have to compress again why is that?

[L. D. James]

I'm sure I could help, but would have to do it step by step. It's the same steps I would use on my own computer.

I would need responses to my suggestions mentioned in message #9 (posted on Feb. 9th). I would actually need responses to each of the items.

-- L. James

-------------
L. D. James
ljames@apollo3.com
www.apollo3.com/~ljames