Uninstall ProTools Free

Ever since I installed PTFree, I've had an intermittent problem where the computer freezes during start up (of the computer, not PTFree). The first time this happened, I got a message that the Microsoft Registry Checker found an error and restored a backup of the registry. Reading earlier posts in this forum indicates this may have been caused by PTFree. Reading a Microsoft forum gave hints that my recurring problem may be related to registry problems. I was advised to uninstall PTFree to eliminate any remaining PTFree entries in the registry, but I can't find an uninistall program for PTFree, neither in the startup menu, nor under 'add/remove programs', nor in the Digidesign directory on my hard drive. Any advice? I have a Pentium III 800 MHZ, and 128MB memory. I have the Soundblaster Live Value card, and I have already updated the driver. Thanks.

I helped a friend out of a similar situation. He couldn't find PT Free in the "Add/Remove Programs" dialog. My solution was to reinstall PT Free, and then uninstall it. I don't know why it didn't show up on Add/Remove Programs in the first place, but installing the second time put it on the list and then I was able to uninstall it without a problem. Mike

Mike, thanks. I was able to uninstall following your advice, and time will tell if it solves my startup problem. Waiting for the next version!

Despite the successful uninstall, I'm still getting the problem where the system freezes on starting up, and I have to unplug it to get it to work. Before I go to the bother of a complete rebuild, does anybody have any suggestions? When I hit CTL-ALT-DEL, it says MSGSRV32 not responding.

Hi early21, Pro Tools FREE is not active if you're not running it, and it's certainly not running if you've uninstalled it. Our uninstaller only removes Digidesign files, so it's hard to imagine how an install/uninstall could be causing these problems. I know of no situations where a registry was damaged by the Pro Tools FREE installer or uninstaller. There was some speculation about a benign registry entry that was incorrect, but that would not cause any problems like the ones you're seeing. At this point I would recommend you do all the things people try when Windows isn't booting properly -- run a virus scan, check your disks with scandisk, boot to safe mode and disable some drivers, make sure nothing is in your start up folder, etc. You'll need to either isolate what is causing the msgsrvr32 error by disabling things, or by reinstalling applications, drivers, and perhaps even Windows. Sorry for the hassle, but I very much believe these problems are not related to Pro Tools FREE. Good Luck, Kenn LeGault Digidesign

Kenn, I'm sure you're right; thanks. I will look in other directions. I will certainly try the new version of PTFree when it comes out - very much looking forward to it.

that's exactly what happened to me with the registry error! except i was running millenium, and it wouldn't continue to load protools free is finicky as hell. -robotobon