install/uninstall windows service problem

I previously was able to install/uninstall my windows service using the setup project within VS (C#). Recently, however, the install fails, and the message is that the "source <app name> already exists on the local computer".

If I try to uninstall, it tells me "The specified service does not exist as an installed serivce".

I have also tried this with the installutil from the command prompt, with the same results.

I found some references to my application in the registry, but have not tried to delete them all for fear of really messing things up.

I did see in the registry a 'Legacy_myapp', was able to delete it, but next time I tried the install, it was right back in the registry.

In my app, I write to the Event Log also, and don't know if this is causing some of my problems. (items in the registry that aren't cleaned up)

Please, any suggestions?

My guess would be that your last uninstall was not complete to the point where it is not detected as installed but has some lefovers like files, folder or regestry entry that keeps you from installing new one. It does not have to do wnything with evnt writing as far as I know. If I were you I would try to clean it up : files, folder, regestry, installed programs and so on and install it again and make susre that you uninstall everything if you want to. If needed , set up Custom Actins to clean up and rollback as well

Good Luck