Add/Remove Programs Tool Responds Slowly

• Microsoft Windows 95

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

When you double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon in Control Panel, the Add/Remove Programs tool may open very slowly.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if the registry entry point to an incorrect location for the Apps.ini file, or if the Apps.ini file is missing.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

To resolve this issue, use the appropriate method:

Method 1

Verify that the Apps.ini file is located in the folder pointed to by the AppInstallPath value in the following registry key:

   HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

Method 2

If Apps.ini functionality is not required, delete the AppInstallPath value from the following registry keY

   HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

MORE INFORMATION

The Apps.ini file contains a list of programs and their installation locations. When there is an AppInstallPath entry in the registry that points to a valid Apps.ini file, there is a Network Install tab in the Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box. Programs listed in the Apps.ini file are listed on this tab.

REFERENCES

For information about creating an Apps.ini file, see page 719 in the Microsoft Windows 95 Resource Kit.