Force Feedback 2: You Cannot Install Update (302607)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2
This article was previously published under Q302607
WARNING:This information is preliminary and has not been confirmed or tested by Microsoft. Use only with discretion.
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install the Microsoft Sidewinder Game Controller software update named ForceFeedback2 VIA Patch, you may receive an error message telling you that the update is already installed on your system.

As a result, you are unable to complete the installation of the update.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions is true:
  • A previous attempt to remove the software was not successful.

    -or-
  • A required file is corrupted.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To resolve the issue, follow these steps:
  1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
  2. Right-click the following registry key, and then click Delete:

    HKEY_LOCAL_Machine\software\microsoft\windows\current version\uninstall\sidewinder force feedback 2 update

    When you are prompted to confirm the key deletion, click Yes.
  3. Quit Registry Editor.
  4. Install the Sidewinder Game Controller software update.

Delete Sw13w98.old if it Exists

You may receive the following message upon reinstallation of the program:
There was an error renaming a file, the file c:\windows\inf\sw13w98.old already exists.
To prevent this message from appearing, delete the file. To do this, follow the steps below for the Windows operating system on your computer.

Microsoft Windows 95 and Microsoft Windows 98

  1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
  2. In the Named line, type:

    sw13w98.old

  3. In the Look in line, select My Computer, and then click Find Now.
  4. When you locate the file, right-click it, and then click Delete.
  5. Quit the Find program.

Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition and Microsoft Windows 2000

  1. Click Start, point to Search, and then click For Files or Folders.
  2. In the Search for files or folders named box, type:

    sw13w98.old

  3. In the Look in line, select My Computer, and then click Search Now.
  4. When you locate the file, right-click it, and then click Delete.
  5. Quit the Search Results program.

Microsoft Windows XP

  1. Click Start, and then click Search.
  2. In the left panel, click All files and folders.
  3. In the All or part of the file name box, type:

    sw13w98.old

  4. In the Look in line, select My Computer, and then click Search.
  5. When you locate the file, right-click it, and then click Delete.
  6. Close the Search Results program.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/7/2006
Keywords:kbfix kbprb KB302607
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