Unable to start AI Suite 3 after updating ("Invalid class string, ProgID: AsusFanControlService.FanControlManager")

Question

After updating Asus AI Suite (from version 2.01.12 to 3.01.10), it is impossible to start it.

Nothing happens when I launch AI Suite and I get the following message when the PC starts up:

Invalid class string, ProgID:
"AsusFanControlService.FanControlManager"

The solutions I've found on the internet are not only dated, they don't work, at least for my version of AI Suite and on Windows 11.

After investigating the situation, I finally figured out what the problem was and came up with a solution, which I'll share with you below.

Answer 1

To fix this issue, follow these steps.

1. Uninstall your version of AI Suite using the dedicated uninstaller found on the Asus website

I made the mistake of uninstalling it via the Windows Control Panel (Programs > Programs and Features), and not with the AI Suite dedicated uninstaller. Then, once AI Suite 3 had been reinstalled, the following message appeared every time Windows started up:

Invalid class string, ProgID:
"AsusFanControlService.FanControlManager"

To remedy this, you first need to delete the "AsusFanControlService" service from the Windows registry. To do this:

• type "regedit" in the Windows search bar
• search (Ctrl + F) for the "AsusFanControlService" service
  • for me, it was in: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\FirstBoot\Services\AsusFanControlService

You will notice in passing that the "Path" entry has the value (at least in my case): "C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\AsusFanControlService\2.01.12\AsusFanControlService.exe".

Since AI Suite has been uninstalled, the "C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\AsusFanControlService" folder is empty, even after reinstalling AI Suite 3 (this is the problem we will see later: AI Suite 3 does not reinstall "AsusFanControlService"!). It is therefore quite normal that the "AsusFanControlService" service cannot be started because it no longer exists... Hence the message "Invalid class string, ProgID: AsusFanControlService.FanControlManager" which is displayed when Windows starts.

• right-click on the "AsusFanControlService" folder in the tree on the left and click on "Delete".

2. Now that AI Suite is properly uninstalled, you can install the latest version (for me it's version "3.01.10")

At this stage, AI Suite 3 still does not launch.

The reason is as follows: "AsusFanControlService" has not been installed by the AI Suite installer (the "C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\AsusFanControlService" folder does not exist (or is empty if you haven't deleted it manually)...).

3. Here's the actual fix I suggest: manually install "AsusFanControlService"

Run the following program located in the AI Suite ZIP file:

/SW_ASUS_AISuite3_PPSU_EZ_SZ_TSD_W11_64_V30110_20220110R/PPSU_2.00.92/AppSetup/AsusFanCtrlSvc/Setup.exe

Now you have a "C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\AsusFanControlService" folder with something in it!

Restart your PC.

4. Voilà! You can now launch AI Suite 3!

Enjoy!