when I try to open it again after un-installing/ re-installing its skips the restore from seed step. I can't correct the mistake.
This is because the first time you opened it, it created a wallet in your data-folder.
The data-folder is not deleted when Electrum is uninstalled, and because of this, it detects the wallet you created before (the one that was unsuccessful) and automatically loads it.
What are you trying to restore your wallet from? Are you restoring your wallet from seed? or are you trying to restore a wallet file?
Also, why must you use 1.9.1? I suggest 1.9.8, as it will restore your seed just fine and you'll get better support.