Cannot run executable files on XPS 1330

[rz53]

Ever since I installed a software called Arena improperly, I haven't been able to get rid of it. Every time I try to uninstall it from Control Panel it says to put the CD back in, but I don't have the CD anymore. The biggest problem is now whenever I try to run any .exe file Vista attempts to "configure Arena" first. Of course that doesn't work, so then none of the executable files I download can run.

PLEASE HELP!!!

[BOB IROC]

Have you tried using system restore to go to a point before you first tried to install that program?

[CCT]

In XP you could use regedit and the 'find' routine with the 'match whole string only' checked to look for the exact word/string 'Arena' then delete the entries (having a careful look through first to determine if something else is named Arena that is critical, which I doubt).

I know Vista is similar but I don't know the exact terms used therein.

[slgrieb]

rz, there are a couple of points that need to be clarified here. First off, just what happened to your CD? I hope you're not asking for help with pirated software. Second, which of the many programs named "Arena" are we dealing with, and which version?