Fix: “Invalid Uninstall Control File” in Windows 10

This tutorial will show you step by step how to fix the “Invalid Uninstall Control File” problem in Windows.

But first:

It could happen that you uninstall a program and still see it in the Add or Remove Programs or Programs and Features list, and when you try to delete it you will get the following error message; Invalid Uninstall Control File: C:\Program Files\uninstall.xml.

This is called an invalid entry and this tutorial will show you step by step how to safely delete invalid entries in Windows 7, 8, and 10.

What is an invalid entry?

Invalid entries are entries of programs that are no longer in use.

And now:

How to remove registry entries for uninstalled software

Important note! These steps will show you how to make changes to the Microsoft Windows registry. If done incorrectly, serious problems might occur.

Don't worry.

I will show you how to create a backup of the Windows registry first, so if you do something wrong you can double-click on the backup file to restore the Windows registry.

Just follow my steps carefully.

1. Backup and restore the Windows registry

1. Press on the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.

A small “Run” window will appear.

2. Enter regedit.

3. Click on OK or press Enter.

A “Registry Editor” window will appear.

4. Click on File at the top left and choose Export.

5. Select a location on your computer where you want to save the backup file.

6. At File name, you enter a name for your backup file.

7. Click on Save.

You can restore the backup if you double-click on the backup file.

2. How to delete an invalid entry

1. Press on the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.

A small “Run” window will appear.

2. Enter regedit.

3. Click on OK or press Enter.

A “Registry Editor” window will appear.

4. Click on HKEY_Local_Machine to expand.

5. Scroll down to Software and click on › to expand.

6. Scroll down to Microsoft and click on › to expand.

7. Scroll down to Windows and click on › to expand.

8. Scroll down to Current Version and click on › to expand.

9. Scroll down to Uninstall and click on › to expand.

10. Scroll down to the folder (entry) of the software you want to delete.

11. Right-click on the folder (entry) and choose Delete.

If you can't delete the entry, then start Windows in Safe Mode and try again.

If you did something wrong, like deleting the wrong entry (folder) or encounter any problems, then double-click on the backup file that you've created.