Registry Subkey Already Exists When Reinstalling DSMN

• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51 and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

If you attempt to reinstall Directory Service Manager for NetWare (DSMN) services, the following error may appear:

   The registry subkey already exists.

CAUSE

If DSMN fails to install or if a portion of the registry is restored from an out-of-date copy (example: an old Emergency Repair Disk), it is possible that registry entries may be left behind that may prevent reinstallation.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this condition, remove all registry components for DSMN and then restart the computer. You should be able to reinstall the network service after removing the associated registry keys.

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

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it.

To remove the registry keys, perform the following steps:

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) and go to the following keys:

         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CCS\Services\MSSYNC
         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\MSSYNC
   

2. Select each key and, from the Edit menu, click delete.

3. Quit Registry Editor and restart your computer.