This is a link to the first resolution i tried, to no avail. The files it says to add are said to "not exist" on my pc.
  http://support.microsoft.com/default.asp...
 Add/Remove Programs tool will not open? Help Please?nintendo ds browser  REMOVE PROGRAMS
  you should alwas look in your all programs list for the program's uninstall file,failing that:
  XP HOME:
  start--all programs--add\remove programs--click change\remove
  start--my computer--local disk drive (c)--windows--programs
  delete program
  start--my computer--local disk drive (c)--windows--temp folder
  click file--choose select all
  press keyboard delete key
  start--my computer--local disk drive (c)--windows--prefetch folder
  same as above
  start--your username--documents--downloads or desktop folder
  delete program
  start--control panel--internet options--history [ delete ] + temp files [ delete ] + cookies [ delete ]
  now...here it gets tricky! 
  start--all programs--accessories--system tools--system restore
  settings--drive (c)--setting--check the OFF box
  now go back and choose create restore point.
  VERY TRICKY AND DANGEROUS! NOT FOR BEGINNER OR RUBE!!
  XP HOME %26amp; VISTA:
  edit the registry:
  press windos key [ 4 part flag ] + letter R
  enter
  regedit
  there are 4 key sections to check:
  hkey_classes_root
  check the list for program--delete
  hkey_current_user
  check for program--delete
  click software--get program--delete
  click microsoft--get program--delete
  hkey_local_machine
  check for program--delete
  click software--get program--delete
  click microsoft--get program--delete
  hkey_users
  click default
  click software
  click microsoft--get program--delete
  VISTA PREMIUM:
  start--default programs--programs %26amp; features
  click program--click uninstall
  start--my computer--O.S.(c)--windows--programs
  delete program
  start--my computer--O.S. (c)--windows--temp folder
  click file--choose select all
  press keyboard delete key
  start--my computer--O.S. (c)--windows--prefetch folder
  same as above
  start--your username--documents--downloads or desktop folder
  delete program
  start--control panel--internet options--history [ delete ] + temp files [ delete ] + cookies [ delete ]
  START--CONTROL PANEL--PERFORMANCE,INFORMATION %26amp; TOOLS
  OPEN DISK CLEAN
  SELECT o.s. (c)
  select more options
  select system restore and shadow copies
  select clean up
  new restore point:
  start--control panel--back up and restore
  create restore point
  create restore point on selected disk
  click create
  apply\ok
  XP HOME %26amp; VISTA PREMIUM
  right click start
  select properties
  select taskbar
  select customize
  select always hide or show