> Source: [sk176928](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk176928)

# sk176928 - Unable to Remove SmartConsole

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Solution ID | sk176928 |
| Date Created | 2021-12-14 |
| Last Modified | 2025-03-21 |
| Technical Level | General |
| Products | SmartConsole |
| Versions | R81.20, R81.10 (EOS), R81 (EOS) |
| OS | Windows |

## Symptoms

- * "*Another instance is already running* " and "*SmartConsole already running*" errors when trying to overwrite install or uninstall SmartConsole.
* SmartConsole does not run and Windows Task Manager does not show SmartConsole processes.
* Trying to overwrite install/uninstall SmartConsole with Administrator privileges as suggested in [sk117538: "SmartConsole already running" error when trying to install or uninstall SmartConsole](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk117538) does not help.

## Cause

Corrupted installation keys in Windows Registry.

## Solution

[Contact Check Point Support](https://www.checkpoint.com/support-services/contact-support/) to get a Hotfix for this issue.

A Support Engineer will make sure the Hotfix is compatible with your environment before providing the Hotfix.  
For faster resolution and verification, collect [CPinfo](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk92739) files from the Management Server and Security Gateways / Cluster Members involved in the case.

**Hotfix installation instructions:**   
Refer to [sk168597 - How to install a Hotfix](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk168597).

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