Windows won't install any software - files are corrupt

RStuart · 06 Nov 2014

I have a HP Pro 3515 running Windows 7 Professional 64bit and it won't install, literally, anything. There are different messages for almost every single application I try and install. E.g. we are trying to put ESET Antivirus on the machine but it throws out error "The cabinet file 'core.cab' required for this installation is corrupt and cannot be used."

I have tried un-registering windows installer and re-registering. I have re-registered all .dll files. Tried installing Microsoft Fix It, which doesn't run because nothing will install. Have tried a System Restore but still nothing works. In an attempt to eliminate the possibility of it being a virus I tried to install AdwCleaner, Malwarebytes and ComboFix - all come back saying installation file is corrupt. I have tried, repairing the msiexec reg entry but still no success.

PLEASE HELP!!

Tookeri · 06 Nov 2014

Hi RStuart and welcome to SevenForums!

If you haven't tried this then I suggest you to that: SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

If you're worried about malware you could try this as it doesn't require an installation:
https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...s-50-av-s.html

RStuart · 06 Nov 2014

Hi Tookeri! Thank you!

I have ran scannow before, just double checked now and still comes back with no integrity violations.

Managed to run Process Explorer, and alll virus totals were 0 apart from 1/54 for Windows Modules Installer?

Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Cheer Tookeri

Tookeri · 06 Nov 2014

Usually if only one anti-virus product detects something it's a false positive. But in this case since it was for the Windows Installer that you're having problems with: could you click on the VirusTotal link that shows 1/54, and when a browser opens you copy the URL address and paste it back here?

You could also in Process Explorer(as administrator) select that process and then press Ctrl+L to check every dll file it uses too.

Have you tried this? Repair Install

RStuart · 06 Nov 2014

Thank Tookeri,

Here's the URL: https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/f...a046/analysis/

Ctrl+L works, not 100% sure what to look out for though sorry, here's a screen shot of the files which were listed.

I have tried this I'm afraid, the issue still persists however!

Cheers

Tookeri · 06 Nov 2014

So you have tried a Repair install. Tried this? Repair MSI (Windows Installer)

The Virustotal report says it was AegisLab that detected something. They are known for causing lots of false positives. So either they are wrong or they are they only ones capable of detecting this threat and all other anti-virus products fail to detect it. I'd say the file is most likely clean.

With Ctrl+L you should look at column "Virus Total" for any detections.

RStuart · 06 Nov 2014

Yep tried a repair install, no luck.

I wasn't able to run the MSI, so I ran the code which it listed and still not able to install anything

At least the machine looks clean!

Cheers

Tookeri · 06 Nov 2014

And I assume you don't wanna do a clean install, factory reset, or have an image backup you can restore?

If not, I don't think I have any other ideas at the moment. But hopefully other members will stop by with other suggestions. Good luck!

RStuart · 06 Nov 2014

Would prefer not to! But I suspect it may end that way!

Thanks for all your help anyway Tookeri!

Muchly appreciated