Elements 12 will not reinstall. get error message 2343 Specific Path Empty. Cleaned out computer after crash. Have Serial #. Help!!!!! please.

[geoffb16326603]

I am trying to reinstall Elements 12. I had to clean out my computer after a crash.

It is a registered copy and I have Serial Number.

I downloaded 2 files as instructed but cannot install.

The error message I get is Error 2343 "Specific Path Empty"

I had previously uninstalled ALL Adobe files on computer.

Can someone help me please, I am desperate,

thank you, Geoff

[John T Smith]

Mac or Windows, and EXACTLY which version of the operating system?

Recent Mac AND Windows operating systems have been known to cause "odd" problems

An idea that MAY work to install and/or run old programs in Windows 10

-http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/15523-compatibility-mode-settings-apps-change-windows-10-a.html

Install CS5 on Mac 10.11 https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2003455 may help (also for other than CS5)

-also a TEMPORARY security change https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2039319

[geoffb16326603]

Hi Tom,

Windows 10 Home

*** Sensitive information edited by Admin***

can you help me?

[Govardhan.V]

We might need to remove keys from Registry , Uninstalling all  Adobe files and folders is not necessary .

The Fix it tool in the link will do it automatically , if there are corrupted reg keys in registry , but it states that it cannot run on Windows 10.

Actually it does run on Windows 10 :

Try running Fix it tool and then check ,- select Detect problems and apply  Fix(Recommended)  option.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9779673

Then select Installing option and proceed.

[Govardhan.V]

I was talking about this link , my bad I forgot to mention.

The Microsoft website say it cannot run , but I had tried myself , it works also I have seen on Microsoft community , many users were able to run the tool.

You can give a try.

"Error 2343: Specified path is empty" | Install | Windows

Screenshot:

[geoffb16326603]

Detect problems and apply fixes.     No it does not work.

It appears to me a problem using windows10. Surely Adobe are not going to leave  previous customers hanging, without solutions.?

Will an upgrade to Elements14 create same problem with installing?

What if I buy is Adobe going to give me a refund if I cannot install?

I just have a Helpless, Sickening feeling right now.

[Govardhan.V · Accepted solution]

In this case , you can try by manually removing registry keys.

Yep , From the date or purchase , you can return the product within 30 days I guess. You may go ahead and purchase upgrade Elements 14. Even Adobe Support can assist you with the installation process , they can even remote access your comp and install the app for you.

Please refer below link ;

Return, cancel, or exchange an Adobe order

[Govardhan.V]

Also you may try to install the application from Hidden Admin account which has special permissions , even for registry. or you can try Clean Boot once.

Let me know if you are willing to try , I will provide you steps.

[geoffb16326603]

Thank you so much for your assistance, it is definitely appreciated.

I will try anything. appreciate you time.

I am willing to try.  Does clean boot reformat.

Geoff

[Govardhan.V]

Nope , no need to format Windows.

Please refer below link:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929135

Once you login with Clean boot, try to install ,.

Still same??

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If  you wish to try with Hidden Admin account  , follow below steps :

Follow below steps carefully :

[ It might look different on your comp , I had enabled Cortana that's it.]

In the Windows search text box type as CMD , it will provide search results :

Important : Right click on " Command Prompt"   option and select " Run as Administrator"  option .

It will open Command Prompt window in elevated mode.

Step 2)

Now copy below command then right click on Command Prompt black screen window and select Paste option and press Enter key.

net user administrator /active:yes

You should see a message that the command completed successfully.

Step 3)

Restart the computer and login to user account named " Administrator"  and then try to install again .

Note :

To disable Hidden Admin account  you can follow above same steps and use below command .

net user administrator /active:no