[FIXED] how do you uninstall an xampp installation that refuses to uninstall?

Issue

I downloaded xampp 1.7.3 (32) on windows 7 (64) in the programs(86) folder. both MySql and Apache refuse to run, they start and then instantly turn of. All ports are free.

So I decide to uninstall however, when i run the uninstaller I receive the following error

"Input Error: Can not find script file "C:\Program Files (x86)\xampp\uninst.temp\xampp_uninstall.vbs" XAMPP uninstall not OK

Why is there spaces in the above line and does this matter "C:\Program Files (x86)" ?

Can somebody please help me to understand the problem & uninstall xampp (or get it to work). It does not show in the control panel so I am stuck. The documentation clearly states the uninstaller should be used.

I have asked this question on serverfault but since ive had so much help here, i was wondering if anybody here knows what the problem could be? All help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Solution

Never install xampp to the x86 folder on windows 7.

directly to the C drive works fine.

Solution for the time being: System Restore or delete the folder and pretend it never happened.

Answered By - Stu

Answer Checked By - Candace Johnson (PHPFixing Volunteer)