Windows 7: Windows Installer Broken

How do I fix it?

I can't install anything, and the installer is stuck in a loop when I start ANY software. This renders my new computer unusable.

I try to uninstall the Office XP suite that partially installed and failed, and it tells my I don't have permission.

It's beginning to look like the only way out is to re-install Windows, and I don't want to go that drastic.

Jon

I would try this tutorial to see if you can find and fix any corrupt files,

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Post back with your results.

It said Resource Protection did not find any integrety violations.
Findstr was not able to open the log, so I opened it with notepad. About the only noteworthy thing I could find in the file was a lot of Move File records.
I have not idea what that means.

Jon

Have you ran the apps as admin? It's an idea

These permission issues have caused me to use my images more than once. I'm bad with them. I find it easier to restore an image than mess with permission problems.

So is office xp still on your system? If so I would use something like revo uninstaller,
Revo Uninstaller - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
To get rid of it.

Here's some more info on the subject,
Unable to install Office XP (Windows 7 OS)

I tried to find and download Revo, but the flashing uninstaller prevents me from using the browser. The computer is pretty much useless and I'm having to use my dying XP machine.

First let's rule out some trouble sources.

A. This is the first thing to do, in fact, it's so important that I'm not even going to point B until I've heard the results.

1. Download MalwareBytes. Malwarebytes
2. Disconnect from the Internet.
3. Disable your present antivirus software.
4. Remove your present antivirus software.
5. Install and run the MalwareBytes Quick Scan (remove any bad guys)
6. Reconnect to Internet.
7. Update MalwareBytes.
8. Run malwarebytes quick scan again.(remove any bad guys)
9. Download Microsoft Security Essentials. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
10. Install Microsoft Security Essential.
11. Disable MalwareBytes.

derekimo, I finally got past the flashing installer and downloaded Revo. Unfortunately it uses the built-in uninstaller, which is broken, so Revo fails totally.

karlsnooks, thank you. I already have Microsoft Security Essential and no other antivirus software, so I don't think I'll remove it.

Excellent, Microsft Security Essentials does not need to be removed. Actually, MSE and AntiMalware play well together.

Do run AntiMalware from MalwareBytes, then we're assured that there isn't a bod guy on your computer.


Boot into Safe Mode.

Log on under your administrator account (not the computer administrator account).

Can you now uninstall?

Can you now install?

Oh yes, when getting ready to install, right-click on the install program and choose "run as administrator".

Probably, a good idea would be to do a repair install.
Repair Install

Can you go back to an early restore point?