Unable to update to the latest version of FileLocator Pro (MSI issues)

Question

I'm trying to install the latest version of FileLocator Pro but during the section where it tries to uninstall the previous version it says:

"The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable".

If I try and uninstall the product manually the exact same thing happens. Specifying the location of the new MSI only results in an error "The file ... is not a valid installation package for the product...".

Alternative error message

"The feature you are trying to use is on a CD-ROM or other removable disk that is not available"

Answer 1

This usually happens when Windows Installer no longer has access to the original MSI used for installing the product. It uses the original MSI file to figure out which files need to be removed before the new install can occur.

Since the new MSI is not the same as the original MSI Windows Installer will not accept it as a 'valid' package.

Repairing the installation

Using the MSI for the version already installed (please contact technical support if you no longer have it) try the Repair option to fix the installation.

Then try to uninstall it manually again. If that doesn't work...

Repairing using Microsoft's FixIt

Click the 'Run now' link on the following Microsoft page:

Fix problems with programs that can't be installed or uninstalled

Why did it happen?

'Cleaner' type products can sometimes be overly aggressive and delete the MSI databases that Microsoft Installer saves for future reference.

What is an MSI file?

An MSI file is a database of information that can be used by the Microsoft Installer to install/update/remove software in Windows. More information on MSI files can be found here:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/msi/installation-package