Windows Uninstallation

Helix QAC can be uninstalled through the "Programs and Features" option in the control panel.

If the operating system crashes or there is a break in power to the Windows machine during the uninstallation process, then it is possible that the uninstaller will only remove the binary files and not the registry entry and other data files. Because the uninstaller will not have removed the registry entry during the process, you will not be allowed to install the same version of Helix QAC on the same machine. You will then need to open the Registry Editor and delete the Perforce Key from the "Software" directory (under Administrator supervision).

When using the CLI uninstall, if you carried out the original installation as an Administrator, then you also need to carry out the uninstallation as an Administrator. Otherwise, an error will be generated and the uninstall will not proceed. To do this, you can run the command line (cmd) as Administrator, and then run the appropriate command, for example:

C:\Perforce\Helix-QAC-<version>\maintenancetool purge --default-answer --confirm-command

If you are unsure whether or not the original standalone installation of Helix QAC was carried out as Administrator, check the Windows registry as follows:

  • An Administrator installation employs HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Perforce
  • A Standard User installation employs HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Perforce

Note that the command should not be run from a command line with a current directory within the installation folder as this will prevent the uninstaller from removing the installation folder.

If you are using an unattended install within a script, you should add a 3 second delay after uninstallation finishes to make sure files are fully removed before the job finishes.