"Hidden folder" not removed on uninstall

[[email protected]]

I have created an installation using InstallAware v9 r2. I am creating the Single File, with CacheSources set to True. The operating system of the target computer is Windows XP Pro SP3. Upon installation there are some hidden folders that remain on the system and it is desired that they be removed.

Steps to repro:
1. Create installation
2. Run installation
3. Uninstall using the Add/Remove programs
Actual Results: After installation a hidden folder exists in the "Common Application Data" folder. The name of the folder is the Revision Code. This is expected. After uninstalling the application there is a hidden folder in the same location but this time the name of the folder is "~0". The contents of the folder is a file named mia.lib and the single setup file.

Expected results: No residual files or folders would remain on the system after uninstalling the application that pertain to the application's installation.

Any help is appreciated,

Steve

[mills]

So, the hidden folders are being added by your installation?

Do all of the hidden folders remain or only one?

You may need to use the command Delete Files Recursive.

[[email protected]]

"So, the hidden folders are being added by your installation?" - yes, but not through anything I have specifically done to do so. See graphic below...

AfterInstallation.png (24.69 KiB) Viewed 6894 times

"Do all of the hidden folders remain or only one?" - The one that was created during installation is deleted, but a new hidden folder is created. It is "~0", unless it already exists then it is "~1", or "~2", etc. See graphic below.

AfterUninstall.png (22.03 KiB) Viewed 6894 times

thanks,

Steve

[mills]

That folder is what allows your software to be uninstalled. If you delete it, you won't be able to remove the program from Control Panel->Add/Remove Programs.

You can avoid this by using an uncompressed build.

This post already explains the behavior:
http://forums.installaware.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1922

[[email protected]]

Thanks Andy, but the other issue doesn't address the problem that I am speaking to. I understand and can accept the folder with the "GUID" for a name being there to help with uninstalling. But once the application is uninstalled there shouldn't still be a folder present. What would it's purpose be as the application is already uninstalled?

[mills]

I see. I've verified this behavior and notified our developers.

[[email protected]]

Thanks for the reply. I will try to implement a DeleteFolderA approach to delete the folder. Where do you recommend I put the command?

thanks again.

[mills]

It turns out this is a behavior caused by MSI. After a reboot, those folders should no longer appear.