Solved Chrome won't reinstall

[RoWin7]

The Chrome forum is less than worthless. I don't use it anymore.

I use Chrome x64 for only a few websites where I work online, otherwise I use Firefox/Waterfox. 68 was working fine with an edited UA that said "v.80." The scripts are more important to my work than having the latest version.

I updated from v. 68 to 80, keeping my profile, and one of my scripts broke.
So I uninstalled 80 with Revo Uninstaller, and tried to reinstall 68. It starts installing, then says "This computer already has a more recent version of GC. If the software is not installing, please uninstall GC and try again."
The Google help site is just telling me the same thing.

To me, that means 80 left either files or registry entries that didn't uninstall. I haven't had that problem with Revo before.

There's still a Google folder in ProgFilesx86, but there's no .exe file.

 

[townsbg]

I know that Firefox has the capability to sense the version on the profile and if you try to go to an older version you will get a warning in Firefox and it'll refuse to work. Perhaps Chrome has the same thing. You might try creating a new profile.

 

[RoWin7]

80 was in for only one day. I would like to see first if there's a particular profile file or registry entry that I can change more easily.

It's not possible to create a new profile. I have Tampermonkey scripts for work that can't be re-created.

I really hate Chrome. In Firefox I know what every file in the profile does and the program doesn't make any registry entries.

 

[Barman58]

uninstalling with revo is best when you do a fully monitored install with it, especially for trial installs - the standard uninstall uses generic uninstall parameters, these work for most installs but can have issues with either highly customised or or particular "difficult" applications, all browsers are IMHO always difficult as they are competing with each other and they are updated very often.

You could try an advanced uninstall using revo, they have a "search and destroy" type option which can clean out a lot of those little leftovers that can cause the type of issues you have

 

[RolandJS]

Obviously you have backups on external media; so my best guess is to try this:
Using Revo's install function, reinstall Chrome 80; restart; then using Revo uninstall function to remove 80, now, here is where it can be tricky: safe moderate advanced - choices for scan & remove whatsoevers.

**I altered my comments above because I earlier posted "Firefox" instead of "Chrome."
RoWin7's next post corrected my error, so, I went back and changed this comment set. **

 

[RoWin7]

Yes, I do have a backup, but it's from last night, after I installed and uninstalled 80. Firefox is not the problem. If you meant Chrome, Revo doesn't have an install function.

I always use Revo on "Advanced." The 80 uninstall left something in there. There's a program folder called "Google>Chrome" and it's mostly empty except for the file "Google Updater."

There are also 20 entries in the registry called or containing C:\ProgFiles>Google Chrome.
The Windows CTrl Panel>Install/uninstall gives me the same message.

I've backed up my registry, but I'm not changing anything till I get precise directions.

 

[RolandJS]

Revo Pro has an install function, it's somewhere on the left side panel. Ok, I have the paid version, maybe the free version is missing the install function. RoWin7, I corrected my earlier post, thanks for the heads-up!

 

[Barman58]

I have recently replaced Revo uninstaller (great offer on the professional version of the tool for unlimited use on other systems ie.clients systems) Uninstall tool has the same features on the pro version as revo, and they currently have a free 30 days trial available ...

If it will help ... Install Tracker (Installation Monitor) - Uninstall Tool

 

[RoWin7]

I always use the Advanced Revo, but I can't figure out how to use Hunter Mode. I installed Install Tracker, reinstalled 80, then uninstalled it


AND 68 IS IN!! I'm using a UserAgent switcher, so I'm not getting caught for a while. You're right about browsers being finicky uninstall targets. I'm also replacing Revo with InstallTracker.

Thanks, guys!

 

[Barman58]

The full title of the tool suite is actually "Uninstall Tool", though I fist recall it as "Geek Uninstaller" Install Tracker is just one of the tools - My fault I linked to the Tool Page rather than the Main Page

 

[RoWin7]

THat's OK, we're all human

 

[RolandJS]

THat's OK, we're all human

"I almost resemble that!" -- Sonny [I-Robot]

 

[RoWin7]

HOWEVER--80 reinstalled without my permission this afternoon .

 

[Barman58]

The auto update of chrome is an ongoing battle, one I must admit that I am willing to accept myself as it has not caused me any issues.

I also understand that others may not be in this situation, due to various reasons, often due to 3rd party add ons etc not being able to keep up with the accelerated update cycle of chrome and other browsers, there used to be an addon that controlled the updates for chrome and disabling this would give you full control.

That is now no longer available (or accessible) so to stop the auto update you will need to look to more basic controls, the latest I know is to disable the start of the update services from Google. hopefully this will still work ... How To Disable Google Chrome Auto-Update In Windows 10 | Technobezz

you have to be aware of course that some updates are not related to just cosmetic or functional changes, but they address security concerns, I would suggest that if you choose to prevent updates you also monitor closely the reasons for the update and update as often as your needs allow, and as soon as your reason for not updating "catches UP"

 

[RoWin7]

I use it for only a few safe sites where I work online, so I'm not overly concerned about security. I remembered the Goohell Updater in Services, but it was too late. Now I know how to go back if I want.

Thanks again.