JavaScript error

Hi Karen Lefkowitz,

I can understand how frustrating it is when the error keeps popping up and blocks you from uninstalling the app. The Q&A Assist has actually provided several options for you to try out, but if you’re looking for a simple path with detailed steps:

1. Right-click Taskbar > Task Manager > click Startup apps tab.
2. Right-click anything relates to Brother PowerENGAGE > Disable.
3. Restart your PC > open File Explorer > Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\
4. Find and rename PowerENGAGE folder (e.g. rename to PowerENGAGE.old)
5. Restart PC again. If the error does not return later, you can delete the folder.

This is an application packaging failure, not a Windows defect. There is nothing to “repair” once the app’s internal files are gone. BrotherENGAGE should provide a cleanup tool, but the above method can help.

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The error dialog shows that the Brother PowerENGAGE app (an Electron-based program) is starting but cannot find its own app files:

Error: Unable to find a valid app C:\Program Files (x86)\PowerENGAGE\resources\electron.asar\browser\init.js

This typically happens when the app is partially installed or corrupted. To stop the error and remove the app without relying on its own uninstaller, use Windows tools to repair or forcibly remove it.

Steps to try, in order:

1. Repair from Apps & Features
   1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
   2. Find Brother PowerENGAGE.
   3. If there is a Modify or Repair option, run it and then restart Windows.
   4. If the error stops, you can either keep it or uninstall normally from the same screen.
2. Uninstall from Safe Mode If normal uninstall fails or triggers the same JavaScript error:
   1. Hold Shift and click Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
   2. Press 4 to boot into Safe Mode.
   3. In Safe Mode, go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, select Brother PowerENGAGE, and choose Uninstall.
   4. Restart normally.
3. Use a third‑party uninstaller or cleanup tool If the entry is broken and cannot be removed from Settings, a dedicated uninstaller (for example, one from a reputable vendor) can scan for leftover files and registry entries for PowerENGAGE and remove them. Run it once, remove the PowerENGAGE entry, then reboot.
4. Disable the app from starting (to stop the pop‑ups) If removal is not immediately possible, at least prevent the error from appearing:
   1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
   2. Go to the Startup tab.
   3. Locate any PowerENGAGE or Brother entry related to that app.
   4. Select it and click Disable.
   5. Restart Windows; the JavaScript error should no longer appear at logon.
5. Manual cleanup (advanced) Only if the app is clearly orphaned (no working uninstall entry) and the above options fail:
   1. In Task Manager → Startup, ensure PowerENGAGE is disabled.
   2. In File Explorer, go to C:\Program Files (x86) and rename the PowerENGAGE folder to something like PowerENGAGE.old (renaming is safer than deleting).
   3. If no new errors appear after a few days, the folder can be deleted.

These steps remove or neutralize the corrupted Electron app so the “A JavaScript error occurred in the main process” dialog no longer appears.

References:

• How to fix this Event Viewer Crash showing up in my Application Log? - Microsoft Q&A
• Plethora of issues relating to windows and possibly security. - Microsoft Q&A