Problems Uninstalling Software

I have an hp dv9700 laptop running vista home premium 64bit. My current problem is not being able to uninstall Windows Media Player. I have uninstalled it from remove programs and it is not detected in Windows Installer Clean Up. I have searched for any files that pertain to Windows Media Player...there are none. But for some reason my computer thinks I have it installed. I can't install WMP again because it says I already have it installed but I can't find any files (even hidden) that pertain to WMP.

That problem was discovered initially because iTunes doesn't recognize my cd/dvd burner ( I wanted to see if it's just iTunes). My burner is an Optiarc BD ROM BC 5500A by Sony. I can't find any drivers for it newer than 2006 and Vista says they are current. My burner worked just fine before...I had it fixed while still under warranty but now they want 80 bucks just to discuss the problem. The problem started with the CD drive disappearing from My Computer and not reading CDs...which I got to work...and now it won't burn. AGH!!

Does anyone know how to delete idea of WMP or get my burner working? Both HP and Vista support pages have been unhelpful (unless of course I pay for it which I can't afford)

Hi Alkene, welcome to the forum. Question: When you say you've done a "search" for WMP --- have you done an "Advanced Search" and included all files/folders --- not just those that are indexed? If you haven't try it now --- Make sure you set Advanced Search to search the 'Entire Computer' and click the box that says "Include non-indexed, hidden and system files." Also, up in the toolbar, be sure that 'All' is checked.

When you search, search Windows Media Player and WMP, and also search any other keywords you think might be in any of the files and/or folders.

You can delete any files and folders that are found, right from Advanced Search, but be very careful that you're not deleting needed files or folders that have similar names to WMP, but are actually needed to run your system properly.

I have advanced searched with hidden files using both "Windows Media Player" and "WMP" The only file that shows up is the installation packaged which starts with "wmp"

You have remanats of it remaining
Download ccleaner and clean up the crap.
Be careful of what you check.
Do not check any registry entries.
If you are not sure what to check, ask us specific questions.
Boot after use.