Error: missing msiexec.exe file while installing HP Photosmart printer C4680c

Question

Original title: missing msiexec.exe file

I was trying to install a new HP Photosmart printer C4680 and I got an error that said

"MSI Server

Windows Installer (*.msi)

C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe\V"

Then the details told me to:

right click on My Computer

select Manage

open Services and Applications

select Services

on Windows Installer right click

select Properties

Find Startup Type

Select Automatic

But this is where I got a problem that said Windows Installer was marked for deletion. It would not let me start the program. I looked in C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.msi and the program was not there.

I then went to microsoft.com - found the msiexec.msi - started to install, but got the error message about DocumentViewer.msi not found. 

Now I'm at a total lost of what could have happened and how to fix this. I cannot install my new printer and probally not anything else. Anyone have some suggestions for me?  Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Missys_Garden,

You may refer the following link and try the methods provided and chek if it helps:

Error message when you try to add or remove a program on a computer that is running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003: "The Windows Installer service could not be accessed"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315346

Hope this information is helpful.

Praseetha K

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our  Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum  and let us know what you think.

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Answer 2

You should read this - msiexec.exe - I'm sure that in this article you'll find how to solve the problem with msiexec.exe.

Answer 3

I have the same problem but its with a HP Officejet 4500 Wireless.  Had the 4680 and it up and quit, when I uninstalled and re-installed it said that XP didn't recognize it.  Spent 3 hrs. on the phone with HP, them doing a remote access  and they really screwed it up.  Have re-installed the 4680 to get all of the pop-up's to stop, but can't un-install, and now can't install the 4500 because its missing the MSI Server.  Did all of the same stuff you did but its marked for deletion also.

How did you solve this issue?  Please let me know at *** Email address is removed for privacy ***.  HP did give me $140 toward a new printer.  Big deal if you can't get it installed!  Afraid to call them back .  That's an underscore between my names.

Thanks to any and all who have solved this problem and share.