Windows 7: MSIEXEC.exe file not found while installing skyrim

I've tried installing skyrim on my pc and got the following after accepting the eula. "windows cannot find msiexec.exe. make sure you typed it correctly and try again" followed by this program needs admin access to install. Tried running as admin, no change.
Tried /unreg /regserver in msiexec, nothing. Looked in my regedit, msiserver key was missing. looked in services, windows installer wasnt there. I imported the msiserver.reg file from this forum and installer shows up on services, however i still get the msiexec.exe not found error. I have confirmed that windows installer now shows up in services and has been started and set to manual.



Why cant it find msiexec.exe? it is physically there. I can run it and read the commands for it. Do I need to reinstall Windows 7, and if so is there a way to get a hold of a disk to use as i dont have a install disk?

Hp Pavilion dv6-3212nr i3 -350m. Windows 7 Home premium 32