Some of the most annoying error messages we come across are from programs that have not been uninstalled properly. Windows repeatedly asks for the CD or installer file and it takes several clicks on Cancel to make the message disappear.

The problem with this message is that there’s no way to get rid of it if you don’t have the installation file for the software in question.

The solution is the Windows Installer Clean Up utility. It can be downloaded from here. Install, run it and a list of installed programs will be displayed. Left-click on the entry for the offending item and then click on Remove. Be careful to only remove the correct item and remember that this won’t actually uninstall the software, just the records Windows has about it.