Cisco VPN Client Install Error 28000

KB ID 0000945

Problem

Seen when attempting to install or remove the Cisco VPN client software.

Error 28000: Before installing the Cisco Systems VPN Clients {version}, you must uninstall the previous version of Cisco Systems VPN Client {version}, using the Add/Remove Program Files option in the Control Panel. Then restart your system.

Solution

1. Firstly Windows Key +R > appwiz.cpl {Enter} > Locate and remove the VPN Client. Though sometimes you will not find it.

2. Locate ‘VPN Client’ Folder in program files > Locate the vpnclient.ini file and open it with Notepad, add the following two lines;

Remove Previous = 1
DelayRebot = 1

Save the file.

3. Run the VPN Client software setup file with a ‘/quiet’ switch on it (as below). it will look like nothing is happening, go and have a coffee, then reboot and try to reinstall.

Manually Remove Cisco VPN Client

This is a little extreme, but if you have no other choice!

4. Windows Key +R > regedit {Enter} > Navigate to;

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Cisco Systems

Delete the VPN Client Key.

5. Navigate to;

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > DeterministicNetworks

Delete the ALL the sub-keys (in the example below, there are two).

6. Navigate to;

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Uninstall

Delete the ANY keys that match;

{1CE60928-8325-49A8-8B06-633E48DD2B67}
{51FB15F4-AD27-43BC-AD4B-DD0354FB6BBD}
{5624C000-B109-11D4-9DB4-00E0290fCAC5}

7. Navigate to;

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Services

Delete ANY keys that match;

CVirtA
CVPND
CVPNDRVA

8. Drill all the way back to the top of the registry (i.e. select Computer) > F3 (to launch ‘Find’) > Locate and delete all instances of the following;