ArcIMS 4.0.1 install gives error "aimsuninstall.exe could not be opened"

Description

During the installation of ArcIMS 4.0.1 the following error is displayed: “C:\WINNT\System32\aimsuninstall.exe could not be opened” and the setup does not proceed with the installation.

Cause

It is necessary to completely remove prior versions of ArcIMS prior to the attempted ArcIMS 4.0.1. install. If the prior version was manually removed, or during the process of installing ArcIMS 4.0.1 the setup prompted for uninstalling the previous version and you chose to have it done automatically, not all older version files may have been removed

In some instances, the previous version files might have been uninstalled properly, but the registry entry did not get removed. If this older registry is still present, the new ArcIMS 4.0.1 setup will believe the old version is still installed and try to launch the uninstall program.

Solution or Workaround

Warning:
WARNING: This article contains instructions to make specific changes to essential parts of your operating system. If these specific changes are not done correctly, it may cause serious problems to your computer operating system and files. First, ESRI recommends that you make a complete backup of your system, including the registry, before implementing any of the specific changes. It is highly recommended that you consult with your IT/MIS department, or other qualified computer systems professional before proceeding. ESRI cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from incorrect use of the Registry Editor utility. Use the Registry Editor utility at your own risk. Note: your operating system and any subsequent service packs may effect these instructions. These instructions are subject to change without notice.

1. Remove ArcIMS 4.0 files from the system:
   
   a) Copy the existing *.sez files from <ArcIMS Installation directory>\ArcIMS\AppServer\to a different location. This is to backup the *.sez files, just in case one wants to use the site information configuration again with ArcIMS 4.0.1.
   b) Copy any customized ArcIMS files to a backup location.
   c) Make sure that ArcIMS is not listed in the Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. If ArcIMS 4.0 is listed as an installed program, try to remove it first.
   d) Remove all files from your ArcIMS 4.0 installation directory that were not removed by the uninstall program.
   e) Empty the Temp directory and the Recycling bin.
2. Remove the registry key for ArcIMS 4.0:
   
   a) Check if the registry key for ArcIMS 4.0 exists: Go to Start Menu > Run and type "regedit" to open the Registry Editor. Browse to the path "My machine\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ArcIMS 4.0".
   
   b) If the key exists as shown, delete it by right clicking on the ArcIMS 4.0 folder (as shown in above image). Select delete.
   c) Close the Registry Editor.
3. Before Installing ArcIMS 4.0.1:
   
   a) Reboot the computer.
   b) Make sure the Web server and servlet engine are installed and communicating with properly. If not, please see the "Pre-Install articles for ArcIMS 4.0.1" in the Related Information Section below.
   c) Verify the system requirements for ArcIMS 4.0.1.
   
   It should now be possible to install ArcIMS 4.0.1 without further errors.