Can't uninstall a program

[wavewuver]

Running XP Pro...

In an attempt to correct a slow boot problem, I reloaded my OS. When I did that, I used a different account name. Because I did that, none of my programs were there so I proceeded to reload my software. But when I tried to load Microsoft's Encarta, the message said that it already exists. However, I have no idea where it is and how to find it. Once I find it, what do I do.

Can I simply drag and drop it into the right directory?

I'm lost. Help!!!!

[excuzzzeme]

Your software never left. Because you changed account name you are now on a different machine so to speak. Try logging on with the previous name and you "may" see all of your programs. I take it that you just over-layed and didn't do a clean install. Your programs are still in the registry under "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/software, and are assigned to your old account name.
Your slow boot may be caused by loading too much during boot process or too much time on loading user profiles.

[wavewuver]

I'll give it a try this evening. Thanks for your suggestion.

[wavewuver]

I really don't know if I did a clean install when I reloaded the OS. However, I created an account using my old account name, logged on, but did not find my programs.

Any other suggestions?

Go into C:\Documents and Settings.

Are there folders like All Users.WINDOWS and Default User.WINDOWS? If so then you simply installed Windows over itself.

In order to do a clean install (and I am not suggesting you do, just giving you the info), when it asks what partition to install Windows to during setup, make sure you format the one you choose. I usually choose Quick Format NTFS. The other option it will give you is to leave the current file system intact. That's how you end up reinstalling Windows over itself.

Good luck.

[wavewuver]

What would you suggest I do now?

What was wrong with the computer in the first place? It's just taking a long time to boot up? Could you put forth a few more specifics? Where it takes the longest, does it sit at a blank screen forever, etc?

[wavewuver]

Even after the reinstall, I still have the problem.

From a cold start, here's what happens

Turn on power and i get the screen that shows the basic system info. Sits there for 30 seconds.

Then I get a message on a black screen to insert a boot device. So I do a Ctl-alt-delete which brings the system info screen up again for another 30 secs

Then the screen goes blank excepts for a cursor flashing

XP logo comes up 30 seconds later and boots the system.

Usually it takes a minute for the desktop icon to appear.

Also, I periodically check the BIOS setting only to find out they change (by themselves). The boot priority doesn't even list the harddrive. I'm working with Intel support on the mobo. I could have a hardware problem.

Setting the slow boot aside, I would like to get my program issue resolved.

I have a 2.4ghz, 512RAM system......just a few month old. Built it myself. Intel mobo.

What do you think?

Sounds like you've got a bad motherboard or hard drive to me, buddy. If the BIOS is resetting itself, I'd guess motherboard first. Did you build the system yourself?

Or it may just be a dead CMOS battery. If, every time the machine powers on, the BIOS has to go and autodetect everything, that might be slowing it down quite a bit. Just a though, not positive on that since I've never had it happen.

If it is a hardware issues, reinstalling Windows isn't going to help anything.

[jesseejames]

try changing the cmos battery for sure if it's weak or dead it will cause these problems