Cannot Uninstall WindowBlinds

Missing "invalid uninstall control file" [Ver. 10.84 and 10.89]

from Stardock Forums

What I have

Edition    Windows 10 Home
Version    22H2
OS build    19045.2965

Windowblinds 10.84 and Windowblinds 10.89

What the problem is

I have serious memory loss issues; can't explain why I have two instances of WindowBlinds (in fact, that might be why in itself). Can't get rid of either! Not trying to reinstall or upgrade, just get rid of them. Both say "Invalid uninstall control file: C:\Program Files(x86)\Stardock\WindowBlinds2\Uninstall\uninstall.xml" if I attempt to uninstall through Windows, and "Invalid start mode: archive filename" if I try to use uninstall.exe. At first I could boot up 10.84 (10.89 is missing files), but once I tried the purge file, closes immediately.

What I tried

  • Using the "purge_WB.BAT" file. It took most files out from 10.89, couldn't get rid of the rest; they were apparently still being opened by the inscrutable ghosts in the depths of my laptop. So I reinstalled 10.89 to get me back to where I was before.
  • Updating to 11.02, then uninstalling that. Did the same thing as the purge file! Left it the way it was this time.
  • Uninstalling using old Control Panel
  • Reinstalling, activating default style, and then trying to uninstall (10.84 only)
  • Crying

I know this is weird and all my fiddling didn't help, but I figured I'd at least try asking directly to see what can be done...

uninstall windowblinds
9,932 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Not sure what is happening in your system. I have forwarded your problem/question to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your patience.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

Sorry to hear you are having trouble.

'Stop' and set to 'manual' any 'Stardock WindowBlinds' service (I am traveling and cant actually picture it but its here):

Reboot

From here:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock

Manually delete any 'WindowBlinds' directory.

You can then reinstall the latest version for your OS and then run the uninstall to clean up the rest (if you indeed no longer want it on your PC).

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

 

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Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

That... seems to have worked! Woo hoo, thank you so much! Sorry to not be using the program anymore. My memory has gotten so bad that the number of customization programs on my laptop keep compounding and clashing with one another, so I'm just getting rid of them all for a clean slate for a while. Someday! Thanks again.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting reimeille2819, reply 3

That... seems to have worked! Woo hoo, thank you so much! Sorry to not be using the program anymore. My memory has gotten so bad that the number of customization programs on my laptop keep compounding and clashing with one another, so I'm just getting rid of them all for a clean slate for a while. Someday! Thanks again.
End of reimeille2819's quote

Pleased to hear it worked out and you are most welcome. 

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager