can't uninstall older Visual C++ versions without vc_red.msi


  1. m18xr2
    Posts : 181
    10, server 2016, server2012
       New #1

    can't uninstall older Visual C++ versions without vc_red.msi


    I have some really old VC++ but unable to uninstall any of them saying vc_red.msi is missing.

    even though I have the VC_redist86 or 64.exe I run them, they do not generate the vc_red.msi in windows temp folder and when I installed one of the older VC on a test VMware OS, it creates the VC_red.msi somewhere and I dont know where.

    how can I uninstall them properly? please help!

    last resort is to find what file it installs (140, 130, 120.dll etc) and then manually remove all vc related registry.
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  3. Kyhi
    Posts : 4,144
    Windows 3.1 to Windows 11
       New #2

    Most likely the VC-red.msi you are looking for (which would also usually be the uninstaller) most likely resides in a Hidden & Protected System Folder > "C:\Windows\Installer"
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  4. Callender
    Posts : 6,853
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       New #3

    If you've used third party software like a system cleaner to clean up windows installer then your only real option is to reinstall the same versions then uninstall them if you no longer need them.

    Download Visual C++ Runtime Installer (All-In-One) - MajorGeeks


    can't uninstall older Visual C++ versions without vc_red.msi-windows-installer-clean-up.jpg
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  6. Callender
    Posts : 6,853
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       New #4

    Once reinstalled use Geek to remove what you don't need.

    can't uninstall older Visual C++ versions without vc_red.msi-geek.jpg

    Or just leave them installed as it doesn't affect anything to leave them installed.
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  7. m18xr2
    Posts : 181
    10, server 2016, server2012
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    yea I had to download a bunch from majorgeek and searched the web. I was able to get majority of the older ones cleaned up and reinstall them while keeping installer file.
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  8. Callender
    Posts : 6,853
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       New #6

    It doesn't hurt to have them all installed unless there's a problem with one or more of them.
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