cannot uninstall pse 2021 "error 16" per adobe

[ProbablyNot Unique]

Using it a year w/o major issues but now launch gets block and "please uninstall & reinstall the program". Says error 16. But W10 aborts uninstall with error "cannot find the file C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe Desktop Common\HDBox\Uninstall.exe". I did not specify that loc, it's where W10 looks. But in explorer I can see no uninstall in that folder. Should I look somewhere else, or . . . ?

[Peru Bob]

Try the Cleaner Tool:

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

[ProbablyNot Unique]

Do you suggest this even though I am not on creative cloud at all, so it's not the cause? I appreciate any response, but the Cleaner Tool page indicates some hassle with "precautions". The recommended uses are all about creative cloud, except "remove older adobe software completley". That's not me.

I'm pretty sure this was caused by MS Windows update while PSE was open. PC shuts down & open program is closed, but not properly.

Thanks.

[ProbablyNot Unique]

PS What happens if I just try an install w/o uninstall first?

[Peru Bob]

PS What happens if I just try an install w/o uninstall first?

By @ProbablyNot Unique

It's worth trying that before trying the suggestions in my reply that was written while you posted this.

[Peru Bob]

The Cleaner Tool may be used for PSE.

Some users were not able to install PSE without installing the Creative Cloud app.  I had to install the Creative Cloud app before installing PSE2020 on Windows 11.

Try installing the Creative Cloud app and then try uninstalling PSE.  Use the Cleaner tool after uninstalling the Creative Cloud app. if installing the Creative Cloud app does't allow you to uninstall PSE.

[Greg_S.]

Try using the Microsoft Uninstall Troubleshooter found here.

You can also try installing the program again.  That sometimes restores the uninstall file.

As for the CC Cleaner, I'm not sure it works with Elements 2021 or 2022.   If it does, there will be a scary option in the first dialog box of ALL.  If you select it, there will be another dialog that opens with all installed Adobe products that can be found.  If Elements 2021 is in the list, choose it.

[ProbablyNot Unique]

Can report that bulling ahead with install, no uninstall, has worked. No oddities so far. Also an uninstall.exe now shown in that folder,

I went ahead after MS Uninstall Troublshooter was a nothingburger. W10 error had already said there was no uninstall where it should be, but Troubleshooter doesn't even show PSE in its program list. ? You can (supposedly) add it, look up a "product number" for the program, which may require an app to find. No thanks, MS.

Not knowing what even caused the error 16, I feel lucky to have escaped, sanity intact.