uninstall

[kokoiski]

Hi,

Is it possible to uninstall software(s) using wmi that is not installed
using msi(microsoft intaller)?

Thank you in advance.

[Torgeir Bakken]

kokoiski wrote:

> Is it possible to uninstall software(s) using wmi that is not installed
> using msi(microsoft intaller)?

For some yes, for others, no.

If the uninstall routine for the software package supports command line switches
for silent uninstall, you should in most cases be able to launch it with WMI
using the Win32_Process class Create method . If it doesn't, you are out of luck
(unless you make your own deinstall that deletes e.g folders, registry entries
and shortcuts).

For each software package take a look at the registry value 'UninstallString'
under
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\<some sw>\

Try to run it adding e.g. /S and see what happens (note that InstallShield does
not use /S).

If the software package is using either InstallShield or Wise products (the two
dominant) as install/deinstall wrappers, silent deinstall is often possible.

Wise:

Unwise.exe
Append /S to the command line.

How do I run the UNWISE in automatic mode?
http://www.wise.com/displayArticle.asp?articleno=824

Unwise.exe prompts for install.log during silent uninstall.
http://www.wise.com/displayArticle.asp?articleno=660

InstallShield silent uninstall:

InstallShield 5.x:

IsUninst.exe
Append -y -a to the command line.

INFO: What Command Line Parameters Are Available for unInstallShield? (Q100021)
http://support.installshield.com/kb/view.asp?pcode=CLASS600PEE&articleid=Q100021

InstallShield 6.x:

I don't know if this version uses IsUninst.exe or not.

Append -s to the command line.

--
torgeir