HP Support Assistant was not installed successfully. An error occured during the installation: -2

[smsdba]

Error running latest version [sp138693.exe] HP Support Assistant install: 

HP Support Assistant was not installed successfully. An error occured during the installation: -2

* Each time I run sp138693.exe, near the end the install dialogue screen displays 'Removing prior version', then shortly after it fails.

* HPSA does not show up in Programs/Features or Apps to uninstall it.

* Have uninstalled all HP related applications [HP Docs, Hotkey support, Notifications, Performance advisor].

* Have run CCleaner reg cleanup and removed invalid, missing keys/references, etc.

* Have run [MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab] but HPSA program not found.

* Have tried HPSA Legacy version install ... it ends out with message: 'A newer version is found....'

* BIOS is current [March 2022].

* Have read through solution: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Software-and-How-To-Questions/HP-Support-Assistant-Removal/td... ... attempted to follow section on [Complete Cleanup” Uninstall of HPSA and companion software] but unable to find any HP software left to remove.

Need further insight into what install routine error: -2 relates to or install log capability.

[BeemerBiker]

Try the REVO uninstaller https://www.revouninstaller.com/products/revo-uninstaller-free/

I discovered this product 2 years ago when a Dell tech support remotely fixed the temperature sensor app on my Area51

Search for "HP"  to find the program.to remove.  Be sure to select the "advanced" option.  REVO will attempt to run the HP uninstaller.  After that fails it will list stuff that is related and ask if it should delete.  You need to select the items and confirm delete.  Additional items will be presented that also need to confirm delete. and possibly a reboot is required.

Suggestion before running REVO:    Create a new local account and make it administrator.  This gets you a clean registry in case something goes wrong.

[Dragon-Fur]

Apologies for jumping in unannounced.

@smsdba 

Short Version - Explanation  (Yes, this is the "short" version)...

The thread you reference is one of my older solutions based on the software type of the HPSA.

It is a simplified version of the "HPSA Re-install" solution I have presented in a few threads since that posting (2019).

True: 

The older 8.x versions of the HPSA were software.

When installed (and functional) - the HPSA software is listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

The HP Support Solutions Software used to be added / installed as a subset of the HP Support Assistant software.  The solution mentions that the HP Support Assistant should be uninstalled first (including any 'personal' data), then uninstall the HP Support Solutions Software.

Time passes...

The HP Support Assistant has been through several changes - one of which is the addition of the HP Support Assistant now presented and installed as an Application.

Then came the HPSA Application...

The original application type of the HPSA was stable but the installation would sometimes trip and fail to install on certain (older) systems.   The newer versions of the application seem smarter, but the installation might still miss certain 'trip-points" in the Operating System that cause the installation to fail.   The underlying cause of the failure might be actual incompatibility or a perceived incompatibility due to something going on in the File System (tangled / missing / odd instructions).

The changes to the HPSA code are substantial.  For example, the presentation (how the application appears on the screen) is different.  The older software type and the newer application type both serve the same purpose - HP driver / software updater.

It is possible that in spite of appearances to the contrary,

Your system is not compatible with the newer application type of the HPSA.

What else?

It is possible that a thorough and manual update of the available hp drivers and software will fill in and correct any deficiencies so the HPSA application can be installed.  Be sure to have also updated the BIOS - doing so as a separate update (run by itself) is recommended (at least by me).  Mixing the BIOS update with other updates can results in success, a complete tangle, or something in between. 

References / Notes / Information

==========================================================

Download, Save, Install the latest supported HP version of the HP Support Assistant

Website / Information / Video / White Paper / Download

HP Support Assistant

Technical white paper - HP Support Assistant 9.0

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

Reference

Uninstall HPSA Application >> Apps

FIRST

Uninstall the HP Support Assistant Application

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features 

Search or scroll down and find HP Support Assistant

 Select the unwanted program  > Uninstall the software

NEXT

OPTIONAL

Open from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

If found, Uninstall HP Support Solutions Framework software  

Restart the computer and log in.

  If removed as part of an earlier "uninstall" procedure , and if wanted again later,

   When / Where / If supported on the currently running OS version,

   HP Support Solutions Framework software can be reinstalled

   Open Product Home

   Open Category Software and Drivers

   Select to use “Auto-Detect” to find your system's drivers and software and to install HP Support Solutions

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

Essentially, it is not important whether you run the older HPSA software or the newer HPSA application.

Many people, in fact, do not even use the HPSA to update HP drivers and software. 

Automatic is not always "better".

OK -- All done.

Thanks for reading...

Stepping away.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

[smsdba]

Thanks, BeemerBiker for the link to REVO and the instructions.

I installed & ran it ... did not see/find any advanced option. It didn't find HPSA in the Uninstaller view, but oddly, it DID find it in the Windows Apps view. Ran the uninstall, It created a restore point first, then came back with registry entries and related files to also remove, which I did. Unfortunately, I still encountered a -2 failure code after running the latest HPSA.

Thanks for the help and that REVO tool seems a handy one to have around.

[smsdba]

Dragon-Fur:

At this point, I think I'll take your sage advice: [Many people, in fact, do not even use the HPSA to update HP drivers and software.]

I've wasted way too much time on a tool to automate something I can readily do myself.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@smsdba 

Updating HP BIOS, drivers, and software manually is an excellent choice, in my opinion.

I have done it this way for a long time.

As your machine ages, there will be fewer and fewer updates.  This is normal.

What else?

Subscribe to HP Alerts (voluntary and you can unsubscribe at any time).

Find bulletins / Notices that are relevant to your device

• Subscribe to HP Alerts

Get connected with updates from HP

and / or

• Check for information at your computer's support website

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

When the website support page opens, select Category Bulletins and Notices (wording may vary)

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.