Cannot access Windows Installer - can't reinstall

Sideline: I think you're having trouble finding things because Win7 search is different.
Don't include the extension when you search

try qw instead of qw.exe

You have that Win7 HP x64 disc that a Computer Tech gave to you. It's most likely legit media, so let's take advantage of what you have available.

If your backup is complete, I think you might want to get back to where Andrew ws leading you
in post# 11 -> a Repair Install.

Basically, you'll boot from your Win7 disc, run through the preliminary questions, and select Upgrade.

This is also called an upgrade in place - not really an upgrade in this case, but it installs Windows on top of a running Windows.

This should resolve all of the not found, can't run, registry errors, etc.

I just wanted members to know that you have a Win7 x64 Home Premium disc.
and the Lenovo Driver disc, and a Repair disc

Andrew can take it from here - he's been on target from the beginning.

Good Luck,

Bill

Slartybart said:

Sideline: I think you're having trouble finding things because Win7 search is different.
Don't include the extension when you search

try qw instead of qw.exe

Thanks, Bill.

I resolved the issue! To me process to solution is very important, so I want to briefly show how we got there. After reviewing all of the thread - particularly Bill's last post last night when he said "this should resolve all of not found, can't run, registry errors, etc - I started thinking the problem was more than just a missing Windows Installer. So many things failed for one reason or another, all related to something being missing. So I turned to running scf scannow. This failed to run because of lack of Windows Module Installer (?). I started reading the forum tutorials looking for a way to restore this process. The restore of setting to manual failed. Back to running scf scannow. I ran from elevated command prompt from boot. 1st found and repaired some. Ran 2nd and 3rd times each with no repairs. Rebooted. Windows Installer was back, as was msiexec.exe, and I could again install and uninstall programs.

Thank you, Bill and Andrew especially and all who helped. And particular thanks to Greg who got me back on track. This was my first time in SevenForums and support is the best I've found after many years of hanging around.

You're Welcome ehwj, glad you got it sorted and you understand the process of how you got it sorted.

Other members might pop in and ask to look at the SFC logs and that's a good idea. Have a read of this tutorial: SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

---

Since you're up and running, I suggest a few malware scans since I don't know how your machine got in that state.

Malwarebytes is a good place to start.
Please go to the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Download
Save to the Desktop
Double-click the downloaded MBAM file to run it.

When the installation begins, follow the prompts in the setup process.

Do not make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure only the following options are checked:
>> Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
>> Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware

Remove the check mark from: Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO
Click on the Finish button.

If an update is found, the program automatically updates itself.
At the program console, on the Scanner tab, and select: Perform Quick Scan

Next, click on the Scan button.

When the Malwarebytes scan is completed, click on: Show Results
When presented with a screen showing the malware detected,
make sure everything is Checked,
then click Remove Selected

When removal is completed, a report opens in Notepad.

Please copy/paste the entire contents of the MBAM report in your next post.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you are asked to reboot the computer so MBAM can proceed with the disinfection process.
If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately.
Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) prevents MBAM from removing all the malware.

---

If Mbam reports anything I suggest creating a new thread to do a more thorugh cleansing.

Congratulations on a job well done, [there might be more work - but I think you're up to it]

Bill

I'm going to work on some other threads but I'd like to close my part of the solution with your words and some clarification on your post 53.

ehwj said:
This was my first time in SevenForums and support is the best I've found after many years of hanging around.

re: Post 53
I think some members might not backtrack to figure out that the quote in your post and the reference to "this should resolve all of not found, can't run, registry errors, etc" are two disparate statements.

The quote references an explanation on why you couldn't find things when you searched. This was not the epiphany - that was in post 52.

As you said, once you were armed with enough to go on, you began at the beginning and figured out that you could/should run SFC as MilesAhead posted. SFC restored the missing pieces from it's catalog or the Win7 disc.

The rest, at least my part, was preparation for the worst (backups, find the discs needed, get new discs if needed, etc) and trying to find a way to create the install media - but it turns out that through our conversation and process, you understood what might be needed and posted that you already had all of the discs. :)

That was the best news I heard, even though I might have alarmed you about the Win7 disc (I should have said: 95% of computer shops will give you good discs). I'm aslo very happy that you didn't trash the Win7 disc because of my "not always" statement

I do think your system needs a thorough analysis due to the nature of the issue. I won't do a checklist because it would be too long.

You said you were a quick study and you proved it.

Again great job.

A big and hearty thanks go out to MilesAhead, Andrew, Derek, Greg, and especially ehwj

Bill
-

@Slartybart & greg

Great job at taking over while I was asleep :)

@ehwj

I am so happy for you and I am glad you got things running. Remember to do windows updates and defiantly do the scans that are suggested above.

I am glad you are working but I want to make sure your pc is clean of infections so please download malwarebytes and use your antivirus software you have to do a full scan and check for threats. Remove any that are found.

Avoid any "optimization" or "registry cleaners" or "boosters" programs in the future. Windows can run fine on its own.

If you need any more help don't hesitate to ask.


I have one more thing I would like you to do, just so that we can make sure you are using a legit version of windows. This protects you as if the install is non genuine it could cause issues or have critical files missing that cause problems. I just want to make sure for you.

Can you please follow this tutorial complete instructions and post the information here?

Windows Genuine and Activation Issue Posting Instructions

Andrew, maybe a few more winks are in order

re: Malwarebytes - that's what I said
re: MGA - ehwj used SFC to repair the system. It won't hurt to check that everything is in order though

I'm out good buddy.

Bill

Just to put your mind at rest, I can say that your system is showing as genuine :)

I've only read the last 20 responses, so forgive me if I'm repeating stuff...

1)
Please follow the Windows Update Posting Instructions and post the requested data

2)
Please download the Farbar Service Scanner from

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/farbar-service-scanner/

Right-click on the saved file and select 'Run as Administrator', and tick all the options, then click on the Scan button - copy and paste the report to your response.


then we may see what's happened, and whether there's any more to do.

@ Noel,

Why didn't I think of that? The farbar service scanner is a awesome way to see what I want to know. Thank you.