Windows Installer not working properly

Question

Recently I have a had a problem with my computer, in that every time i try to install a program that involves windows installer it won't install the product such as whenever i try to update adobe reader is says**"The windows installer service could not be accessed this can occur if windows installer is not installed correctly..."**

I have tried just about every solution on the microsoft websites and other websites neither solving a single thing, I tried installing a program (msicuu2.exe) in which it gave the following message:Error: ActiveX Component Can't create object: 'Scripting.FileSystemObject'

Also I tried another suggestion which told me to type 'Net user Adminstrator *password*' into the Cmd which just gave the errorSystem error 5 has occurred   Access Denied,whenever i type most commands in the cmd tool it just saysAccess Denied

I as well Can't install any of the Updates from the Windows Updates, if i try the installation will fail and give a host of errors    -Error0x80070641                                                                     -Error Code 641                                                                       -Error Code 8004FF01

I have already gone into the 'services menu' and try manually starting the windows installer service, it says it has started again but once you check it a few minutes later it has turned itself back off.

I have also recently purchased a new graphics card, when i plugged it into the computer the computer will not install its drivers

And no I don't have a restore point from before this happened or know which if any programs I installed before this problem started So if anybody can help that would be amazing

Also I've thought just about reinstalling windows, but I'm trying to understand whether all the programs will be deleted and need reinstalling or only some

-Thanks

Answer 1

Hello professor.wiggins,

First, if you have antivirus installed, disable it. If you have more than one antivirus, you will have to remove one of them so as not to have conflicts.

Next, if you don't have an antivirus, you can install Windows Security Essentials. Click the next link to download:http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

- Clean any pending installations -

Check the following registry key and clean any entries in the key that you find:

Go to the Start Orb, type in Regedit and select enter.

If you get the User Account Control dialog box that states, Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to the is computer?, Click yes.

Modifying REGISTRY settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of REGISTRY settings can be solved. Modifications of these settings are at your own risk.

Scroll to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\InProgress

Check the following registry key and clean any entries in the key that you find:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOperations

- Check the permissions -

Verify the System has Full Control on the following keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer

Next, restart your computer and try again.

• **Run a SFC /scannow to check for any corrupted System files.**Click Start

Type: CMD, from the results, right click CMD

Click 'Run as Administrator'

At the Command Prompt, type:

 sfc /scannow

This will check for any integrity violations and fix any corrupted operating system files.

Restart your system.

KB Article ID: 929833 -How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Let us know if any of these suggestions that have helped others helps you to get your Windows Installer working again.

Sincerely,

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Marilyn

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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

Answer 2

I have done that and currently the windows installer will stay enabled, but the programs, as stated on the first post, will still not work

Answer 3

Is the the Windows Installer Service running, should not be 'disabled' in the list of Services. (Start/right click on 'Computer' and select 'Manage', expand 'Services and Applications'. and select 'Services'.

JS

http://www.pagestart.com

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Never be afraid to ask. This forum has some of the best people in the world available to help.

Answer 4

Well the first two links you gave, i found a fixit program which might help but it had to be installed using a .msi extension which I can't install because my windows installer isn't working properly

3rd link seems like it was mainly for xp (I'm using windows 7 home premium, if I never clarified that)

4th link none of the resolutions worked, or were either not an option

5th link unninstalling word and stuff doesn't have anything to do with my problem

6th link just didn't seem to have anything that would help

So I tried to reinstall windows when I realized the computer I bought didn't come with a installation disk which I thought was kinda strange, if you have any other suggestions or if there is any way to talk to someone to try and help fix the problem with out paying a fee that'd be great, and is there any way i can get a re installation disk, either from Microsoft or my computer manufacturer? Over all its a bit frustrating there doesn't seem to be a way to fix this I've spent a lot of time and tried many solution's, as from first reply, all the problems still remain the same, well thanks

Answer 5

Microsoft Fix it Solution Center

http://support.microsoft.com/fixit

Also: Microsoft Fix it Solution Center

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_fixit_main/en-us#tab8

In the list on the left, click on the 'Windows' tab and then on the right go down the list untill you see if your issue is listed.

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How to re-install Windows Installer:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_reinstall_the_windows_i.htm

Windows Installer 5.0 will be released with, and require Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7. Versions earlier than Windows Installer 5.0 were released with Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.

Also:

Common Windows Installer Problems

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=555175

Windows Installer CleanUp Utility (Note: This link has been change to the Fit It utility).

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

JS

http://www.pagestart.com

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Never be afraid to ask. This forum has some of the best people in the world available to help.