Force Feedback 2: Cannot Uninstall or Reinstall Force Feedback 2 Software Update (303855)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
This article was previously published under Q303855
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

You may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
  • When you test the SideWinder Force Feedback 2 in Game Controllers or Gaming Options, the device may not test properly.
  • When you install the Force Feedback 2 software update (the VIA host controller software update), you receive an error message stating that the patch is already installed.
  • You cannot uninstall the VIA host controller software update.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if your computer is running Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), and you have restarted with a restore point date prior to the installation of the update. The restore point did remove the update installation, but it did not remove the update registry key.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps.

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.
  1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
  2. Locate and click the following key in the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Uninstall/Sidewinder FF2 Software Update

  3. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
  4. Quit Registry Editor.
  5. Reinstall the VIA host controller software update.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about the VIA host controller software update, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

297184 SideWinder FF2: Joystick Does Not Work After Installation

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/7/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB303855
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.