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Although System Restore is designed to put your computer in good working order, sometimes the process isn’t perfect. It sounds as though you might have a corrupted file since you can’t uninstall any of your programs.

Uninstalling Programs

Typically, the Add/Remove utility in the Control Panel is used to uninstall programs. If it isn’t working, then the appwiz.cpl file is probably missing or corrupt. In order to use the Add/Remove utility or to uninstall programs that you no longer want on your computer, the appwiz.cpl needs to be in place. If it isn’t, then the situation will generate problems uninstalling programs.

Clean and Repair the Registry

With the possibility that you might be able to clean and repair the registry without having to modify it manually, perhaps you might want to use a registry cleaner. This type of application will perform an automatic or manual repair. One program that I can recommend is RegCure. It is designed to repair your computer’s registry. Plus, it has a built in scheduler and a backup and restore feature. It shows a view of the scan’s progress and offers easy customization.

How to Restore the appwiz.cpl file in Windows 95 and 98

Microsoft’s support section has a detailed explanation on how to restore the appwiz.cpl file if you have Windows 95 and 98. Read through the article and follow its instructions in order to restore your Add/Remove Utility.

How to Restore the appwiz.cpl file in Windows 2000, 2003, and XP

In order to restore the appwiz.cpl file so that you can uninstall unwanted applications, read the article located at Support Article 266668 and follow the instructions very carefully since you need to modify the registry.

How to Restore the appwiz.cpl file in the Command Prompt

Another possible fix for this problem would be to place the missing appwiz.cpl file back where it belongs. Follow this set of directions:

1)      Click “Start.”

2)      Click “Run.”

3)      Type “cmd.”

4)      Click “ok.”

5)      Type “regsvr32 appwiz.cpl.”

6)      Press “enter.”

Insufficient Storage Available Error

Check your Hard Drive Free Space and Partitions

This is a fairly common error message that occurs on Windows Vista based computer systems. There are a few potential causes of the error, all related to your attempt to create a back up log of your computer. It is unlikely that your issue is actually being caused by a shortage of available disk space, but in the off chance that you are trying to restore too much data in too little space, you should check your drives and partitions and make sure that there is ample space for your backup. After you select the drive that you are trying to back up, you can select all the items that you are not interested in creating a backup of so that there isn’t a problem with massive data or media files.

Vista Incompatibilities

Another unlikely cause of your issue could be related to an incompatibility between Windows Vista and an antivirus program like McAfee. If you haven’t already done so, you should check both Windows and your virus security manufacturer for updates. With new software and programming there is an ongoing need to update other programs to keep them compatible. If you have only recently loaded Vista, some users advise a clean install of your operating system. But, before you get to this point, there is a more likely cause of your issue.

Configure your Settings

You need to ensure that the D drive is not set up to create automatic restore points and that the program you use to create backups isn’t programmed to include your D drive - the recovery drive - in the back up. To do so, follow these directions for a Vista operating system:

1. Open the Start Menu, then the Control Panel, and then System Protection. Make sure that the D: drive isn’t set for auto restore points
2. Locate Windows Backup and then choose Change Backup settings. Make sure that the D: drive isn’t set for backups

One or a combination of these suggestions should resolve your backup error and make sure that you are able to create effective backups of your computer contents.

Before completing the following suggestions, you need to back up your registry since you might be making a few changes within the registry. You can find out how to do this by visiting Microsoft at How to Back Up the Registry.

How to Check if the Favorites Folder Exists and Restore It

If your “Favorites Folder” appears to be missing, you need to check first to see that it still exists. Follow this set of directions to see if your “favorites folder” still exists:

1. Select “Start.”
2. Select “Find.”
3. Select “Files or Folders.”
4. Select “Favorites” in the “Named” box and select “Now.”
5. Double click on the “Favorites Folder” when it appears and verify that it does contain your favorites.
6. If the “Favorites Folder” exists along with all of your favorites, then you will be using the “Registry Editor” to correct the entry in the registry. Change the entries for “Favorites” so that that point to the correct location of the Windows/Favorites folders:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\Shell folders

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell folders

HKEY_ USERS\.default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\Shell folders

HKEY_ USERS\.default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell folders

How to Create a New Favorites Folder

Unfortunately, if your “Favorites Folder” does not exist in your Windows folder, then you will need to create a new one and manually recreate all of your favorite items as well. To do so, follow this set of instructions:

1. Start “Windows Explorer.”
2. Double click on the “Windows” folder.
3. Right click on the right side and select “New.”
4. Click “folder.”
5. Type in” Favorites.”
6. Press “Enter.”

How to Add the Google Auto Fill Feature

If you need to recreate your Google Auto Fill profile, follow one of these sets of directions.

If your toolbar has a “wrench icon” on it:

1. Click the “wrench icon.”
2. Click the “AutoFill Tab” in the Toolbar Options window.
3. Check the box in front of “AutoFill.”
4. Click “Add new profile.”
5. Click “Save.”

If your toolbar does not have a “wrench icon” on it:

1. Click the “Settings Tab.”
2. Click the “Options” in the drop down menu list.
3. Check the box in front of “AutoFill.”
4. Click “AutoFill Settings.”
5. Add the information to create a new profile.
6. Click “ok.”

Error messages indicate that something is wrong. Wouldn’t it be nice if they also came with detailed instructions on how to fix the problem? The solution that I have posted below has been successful in correcting this type of error for others. I suggest trying it as it seems to be the best solution that I have come across for you.

Error: “Patch package cannot be opened”

For whatever reason, this error is suggesting that the function that you have selected cannot be performed. Files might be corrupted. Perhaps the files are simply misplaced. However, if you choose to run the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, your problems should go away and you should be able to complete this task.

What is Windows Installer Cleanup Utility- msicuu.exe?

The Windows Installer Cleanup Utility is used to remove the installation information for a variety of programs. It is a great utility tool for incomplete or faulty installations. When it is used, it doesn’t completely remove the actual program from your computer. It simply cleans up the program installation by removing the installation files so that you can initiate and complete a good installation.

Downloading Windows Installer Cleanup Utility

Even if you have a version of Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, you should download the latest version for the best results. The newest version works with all 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows. To download Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, visit this link: Windows Installer Cleanup Utility Download. You need to have administrative privileges when using this utility. You can use this utility on both versions of Adobe so that you can remove the old version before you reinstall the new version.

Tip for Reinstalling Adobe Reader 9

When you reinstall Adobe Reader 9, you should install it to the same location that you used on your previous attempts. This will avoid the duplication of files on your hard drive.

What is the ReadyBoost File?

In an effort to replace the need to add system memory to your computer, ReadyBoost was created. It is one of the Microsoft Windows Vista features. ReadyBoost has been designed specifically to add memory to a system using flash memory. ReadyBoost is included with the following editions of Windows Vista: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate.

How Does the ReadyBoost File Work?

Windows Vista uses quite a bit of the computer’s resources and accessing data from the hard drive can be a slow process at times. Using a flash memory device allows the computer to access the data much more quickly. Plus, it acts as additional memory for the computer.

When you insert your flash memory device, such as a USB flash drive, into a port on your computer, Windows Vista checks it out to determine whether it is fast enough to be used with ReadyBoost. If the flash memory is compatible, then you can use ReadyBoost to speed up the system performance. You also have the option to allocate all of the file storage to speed up performance or only a portion of the drive.

How to Use ReadyBoost

If your flash memory device is compatible, Windows Vista will pop up a dialog box with options for you. If the dialog box does not pop up, then your device is not compatible to use with ReadyBoost. Here’s an overview of what happens:

• When the dialog box pops up, you will receive a prompt asking you what you would like to do with the flash drive. You can select either “open folder to view files” or “speed up my system.” You also have the option to set the AutoPlay defaults in the Control Panel. To use your flash drive as a ReadyBoost device, select “speed up my system.”
• Once you select “speed up my system,” a new dialog box opens up, displaying the ReadyBoost properties. To enable your flash drive device, click on “Use this device.”
• Next, you need to adjust the slider on the right hand side to indicate the amount of space that you would like to use for ReadyBoost. It is recommended by Microsoft that you use a balanced ratio of 1:1 between physical memory and ReadyBoost memory.
• Click “Apply.”
• Click “ok.”

What Does a Flash Memory Device Need to be Compatible?

• Must support USB 2.0
• 235 MB in size
• 2.5 MB/sec throughout for 4 KB random reads
• 1.75 MB/sec throughout for 512 KB random writes

Congratulations on your new Vista computer and for not listening to all of the scare stories. I have Vista running on one of my machines and once you get used to the interface, it can be quite enjoyable. The Windows Aero display is a great way to keep track of several things that are running at the same time, and it gives you great entertainment and research options as well.

Here are a few hints for your new system:

• Adjust your 3-D experience. Many people love the 3-D images on the desktop, but they give others a headache. You can tweak the setting by right clicking on Computer and then choosing Properties. Click on Advanced Systems Settings and then when you get to Visual Effects, you can adjust for best appearance, let Windows choose the display or come up with your own setting tweaks. Check it out if the 3-D effects are a little too much at times or adversely affect performance.
• Capture that image. Vista has a cool Snipping Tool that will capture any screen image to save, share or annotate it. Use the mouse to capture any part of the screen image and it is saved to the Markup window so you can manipulate it. If you are in Internet Explorer, you can save the snip as an HTML image.
• Watch those kids. Many parents love the parental controls that come with Vista. You can create an account for each child in User Accounts that is in the Control Panel. Click Set Up Parental Controls to set limits and enable Activity Monitoring so that you can see where they’ve been.
• Up the safety factor. Vista Ultimate comes with BitLocker Drive
  Encryption that uses a Trusted Platform Module to secure access. Use the Bit Locker Driver Preparation Tool to create an extra partition and have security by holding encrypted files.

Some people find Vista slower than they’d like, and there are several programs that will enhance speed and performance. Two of the top-rated downloads are Advanced Windows Care and Tune Up Utilities. You can see all of the reviews with the plusses and minuses of each system by going to the review page at Optimize Vista.

You can also customize your desktop menus and toolbar settings as well as optimize your network connection speed with Enhance MyVista Pro and Vista Manager.

Customizing the look of your computer is half the fun. If you want your desktop to look like a roaring fireplace, Christmas tree or lifelike aquarium, check out Vista Wallpaper,

GelioSoft and Many Screensavers for some unique options. These sites also have customized icons and backgrounds for your viewing pleasure.

These are just a few tips to get you started with your new system. Take some time to explore your new Vista Ultimate and enjoy all of the new features.