Catastrophic Failure Removing a program with deleted files

AdamStewart92 · 19 Jun 2021

Hello,

I have tried to download The Sims Complete Collection from The Sims Complete Collection : Maxis : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive as seen on Youtube How to Download & Install The Sims 1 on Windows 10! - YouTube

After a failed attempt I'd removed the files from the files folder, however, when I come to uninstall the game from the remove programs menu, I get this catastrophic Failure message and now I can't attempt the installation process again. Any advice?

Catastrophic Failure Removing a program with deleted files-s3.png

Catastrophic Failure Removing a program with deleted files-s1.png

Catastrophic Failure Removing a program with deleted files-s2.png

dalchina · 19 Jun 2021

Hi, you've 4 options.

a. Use Wise Uninstaller (the free version includes the forced uninstall feature) and hope you can find enough sections of the program to effectively remove it.

This may require iterative attempts to find and browse to folders or exe files belonging to the program and started the forced uninstall process.

or
b. (cleaner)
Reinstall the program, and then run e.g. Revo Uninstaller, Geek Uninstaller or Wise Uninstaller (the first two are better known) and start the uninstall procedure from within that program.

or

c. Use a System restore point created before you installed this.

or
d. Restore a disk image you created before installing the prog.

Steve C · 20 Jun 2021

My usual trick is to install such a program again then uninstall it preferably using a good uninstaller like Revo

Belcher · 15 Dec 2022

Hi, I'm new at the forums so if this is inappropriate please delete.

While trying to uninstall The Sims Complete Collection I was getting the error: "An installation support file could not be installed. Catastrophic failure".

The solution that finally fixed this problem for me, without having to resort to using Revo Uninstaller, was this:

1. Open File Explorer and check the 'Hidden items' checkbox (under the View tab).
2. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\InstallShield Installation Information
3. Look for a folder named {F2527115-B8BF-4FDB-B5DA-5AADFB7C13E1}.
4. If folder isn't there, search folders for 'Setup.ini', check for mention of The Sims.
5. Select the 'setup.ilg' file ONLY in the folder and delete it.
6. Double-click the InstallShield's Setup.exe in the folder, then click Cancel and Yes, this creates a new 'setup.ilg' file.
7. You should now be able to delete The Sims Complete Collection from Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

Hope this helps someone having the same problem.

Sapien 1 · 18 Mar 2023

I encountered a "catastrophic error" first time ever when directly downloading a 25GB video from my AT&T android to a Sandisk USB stick through my HP laptop. I left all the hardware in place and carefully ended all tasks then shut down my computer. I unplugged everything, started the PC back up and tried again. Didn't lose anything but man, I was worried my flash drive was going to be erased. I am guessing that maybe one of the cords weren't properly attached. Don't want that to happen a second time.