How to Uninstall an .msi File: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

An .msi file is a package format used by Windows Installer for software installation, maintenance, and removal. While installing software via an .msi file is straightforward, sometimes users need to uninstall software installed with this format manually. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall an .msi file effectively.

Methods to Uninstall .msi Files

There are multiple methods to uninstall an application installed via an .msi file. These include using the Windows Control Panel, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or specialized uninstaller software. We’ll explore each of these methods below.

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Method 1: Using Control Panel

The easiest way to uninstall an application that was installed with an .msi file is through the Control Panel.

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type control and press Enter.
   • In the Control Panel window, click on Programs and then Programs and Features.
2. Find the Program:
   • Scroll through the list of installed programs to find the software you want to uninstall.
   • Click on the program name.
3. Uninstall the Program:
   • Click the Uninstall button at the top of the window.
   • Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the removal process.

This method works for most applications. However, sometimes an .msi package may not appear in the Control Panel. In such cases, you may need to use Command Prompt or PowerShell.

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Method 2: Uninstall via Command Prompt

You can use the Command Prompt to uninstall an .msi package by using the Windows Installer command-line options.

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
2. Find the Product Code:
   • To uninstall an .msi file, you need the product code, which is a unique identifier for the installed application.
   • To find the product code, you can use the following command:
     bash

     Copy code

     wmic product get name,identifyingnumber

   • This command will list all installed applications along with their product codes.
3. Uninstall the Program:
   • Once you have the product code, use the following command to uninstall the program:
     bash

     Copy code

     msiexec /x {product-code}

   • Replace {product-code} with the actual code of the software you wish to remove.
   • Press Enter, and the uninstallation process will start.
4. Verify Removal:
   • Check if the software has been removed from your system by searching for it in the list of installed programs.

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Method 3: Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides more advanced capabilities for managing software, including uninstalling .msi packages.

1. Open PowerShell:
   • Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Get the Product Code:
   • Use the following command to list installed products:
     powershell

     Copy code

     Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Select-Object Name, IdentifyingNumber

   • This will display a list of installed programs along with their product codes.
3. Uninstall the Program:
   • Once you identify the product code, run the following command to uninstall it:
     powershell

     Copy code

     msiexec /x {product-code}

   • Replace {product-code} with the specific code of the software.
   • Press Enter, and PowerShell will handle the uninstallation.

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Method 4: Using Third-Party Uninstaller Software

If you encounter issues with the above methods, using third-party uninstaller software can be helpful. Tools like Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, or CCleaner provide user-friendly interfaces and can help remove stubborn programs, including those installed via .msi files.

1. Download and Install the Uninstaller Tool:
   • Download a reputable uninstaller tool from its official website.
   • Install the software following the on-screen instructions.
2. Launch the Uninstaller:
   • Open the third-party uninstaller and let it scan your installed applications.
3. Select the Program:
   • Find the program installed with the .msi file in the list.
   • Click on Uninstall and follow any additional prompts to complete the removal.
4. Cleanup:
   • Many uninstaller tools offer a cleanup option that removes leftover files and registry entries, ensuring a complete uninstallation.

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Troubleshooting Uninstallation Issues

Sometimes, an .msi package might not uninstall smoothly due to errors or remnants of a previous installation. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

• Error: “Another installation is already in progress”:
  • This error can occur if Windows Installer is busy. Wait for the other installation to finish, or restart your computer.
• Missing Product Code:
  • If the product code is missing, you can try reinstalling the .msi file and then attempt to uninstall it again.
• Use Windows Installer Cleanup Utility:
  • Microsoft previously provided a tool called the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility. However, it’s no longer officially supported, so use it with caution if you find a copy.

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Conclusion

Uninstalling software installed via an .msi file can be done using various methods, such as the Control Panel, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or third-party software. For most users, the Control Panel is sufficient, but the other methods offer solutions for more stubborn or hidden installations. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth and thorough removal of unwanted software from your system.

 

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