Windows Installer is Broken!!

[Chasepwner]

Whenever I try to install programs that use the Windows Installer, I get an error saying "The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed." I heard from a friend that this error was caused by a Windows update that released sometime in August. I have the most recent version of Windows Installer (3.1) and have tried many 'fixes' posted on the Microsoft site and some other sites. I'm trying to install America's Army 2.7, but after unzipping the game files I get the error.

 

[pxc]

You could have junk left over in the %temp% folder (C:\Documents and Settings\<your login id>\Local Settings\Temp). Clean it out.

Also, read this article to make sure the service is enabled: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=324516

 

[Chasepwner]

I don't have a Local Settings/temp folder...

 

[pxc]

Unhide system files in folder options. It's there if you're running XP.

 

[Chasepwner]

Also, read this article to make sure the service is enabled: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=324516

Only about half of that page is showing up and I can't scroll down.

 

[pxc]

Only about half of that page is showing up and I can't scroll down.

Try a different browser. The page works fine in IE6. You computer is probably messed up more than just the Windows installer.

Consider a repair installation or complete reinstall.

 

[Chasepwner]

I'm considering doing a repair installation, but I have a question concerning that. My XP Home CD is SP1 and my computer has SP2 updated from SP1 on it. Will doing the repair installation revert me back to SP1? Will it do anything else to mess up the files on my computer?

 

[On the Lam]

Only about half of that page is showing up and I can't scroll down.

Maximize your window

 

[On the Lam]

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1029957762#post1029957762

 

[Chasepwner]

^^ That didn't help...

 

[On the Lam]

Hmm, sorry...I was having the same problem on my buddy's laptop, but I gave up after several days of troubleshooting and just formatted and reinstalled windows to save time.

 

[Gatticus]

I'm considering doing a repair installation, but I have a question concerning that. My XP Home CD is SP1 and my computer has SP2 updated from SP1 on it. Will doing the repair installation revert me back to SP1? Will it do anything else to mess up the files on my computer?

Make a SP2 XP disk from your SP1 XP disk. Use Slipstreamer to do it.

http://www.flexbeta.net/slipstreamerxp/