Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

For some reason, my Topaz filters disappeared from inside my PS. I decided it was time to upgrade anyway, so I went to Topaz and downloaded the latest and greatest. Went to install them and they complain that they can't install because Photoshop is open. NO IT ISN'T. So I chase around to find out why Topaz thinks it is. Turns out that there is a PSE 2012 that I tried. While the Task Manager couldn't find any reference to it being open, I decided to uninstall it. The uninstall list shows the program as being installed even though I could find no other reference to it.
No problem. I'll just do an uninstall. Oops. The response is We can only uninstall programs that are installed. In other words, even though it is in the list, it isn't really there.

But that seems the key that is keeping Topaz from installing.

I guess I'll call Topaz tomorrow.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

One alternative might be to search for "PSE" or "Photoshop elements" and delete the directory. You'll probably find it under C:\program files or C:\program files (x86).

photostephen

Can we assume you did a full computer shutdown and then restarted the computer? Sometimes when you close a program, a small stub of the program remains running so it can start faster.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

All your Topaz is in your account.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

There are many "uninstall programs" try a different one. Indeed this is a Twilight Zone problem. Perhaps the problem is one that Adobe needs to help, rather than calling Topaz.

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

You might have to go into the Windows Registry (regedit.exe) and search for PSE fragments. You can use the Find command under Edit, and look for "PSE" initially. Delete any and all registry entries that have to do with Photoshop Elements. (Also do a search and destroy using "Photoshop Elements.") This is a P.I.T.A. to do, but it will ferret out PSE fragments causing your problem. Note: BE CAREFUL. DON'T DELETE REGISTRY KEYS THAT ARE NOT DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS! For example, don't search using "Photoshop" because it will identify everything having to do with the program you want to keep. Good luck.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

Thanks everyone. Topaz was no help. I'll try Adobe on Monday. If I still had the PSE disk I might reinstall it and then delete it. That might catch it.
I tried the registry and deleted about 5 instances, but I might have missed the key one. I always back up the registry before touching it--cause there is no tomorrow if you screw it up. LOL

I appreciate all the suggestions.