Repairing ‘The specified account already exists’ error when installing, uninstalling, or upgrading a program in Microsoft Windows takes only one run of a free troubleshooting tool.
I encountered this error for the first time while trying to upgrade a photography program called Athentec Perfectly Clear. I then tried uninstalling it, but the same error blocked my attempts there, too. An Internet search showed that this problem occurs with several other programs, too.
A quick way of resolving ‘The specified account already exists’ is to use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter.
Just click or touch the blue Download button on the page.
Launch the downloaded troubleshooter and click Next.
If you are trying to upgrade a program, choose Installing.
After a short while, the troubleshooter lists all installed programs. Select the correct one and click Next.
Removing the troublesome program is a good idea, click the Yes, try uninstall option.
It might take a while until the uninstallation completes, but the troubleshooter will get there. Click or tap the Close the troubleshooter option.
As the troublesome program was removed during the process, you need to install it again, but it will work without errors this time.