Profile Corrupted.... Repair Install to Fix it ???

[Katmandu]

My main Profile has some how become corrupted. By corrupted I mean I can NO longer INSTALL downloaded programs. They download just fine but will NOT install. I get a 2203 Error message about the Windows Installer being screwed up.

I logged into the "hidden" Administrator Account and tried to Install the programs from there.

What I found is this. Any and All programs previously associated with the Main Profile (for example... AVG Anti-virus Updates) will NOT Intall any Programs either. It acts the SAME as if I were in the Main Profile.

Now, when I download and Install a NEW Program (NOT previously associated with the Main profile) everything Installs NORMALLY.

This is proof that the Main Profile Windows Installer files have become corrupted. I have found no workable solution as of yet.

Should I do a Repair Install using the Windows 7 Installation disc ?

 

[derekimo]

I would try this first,
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.html?ltr=S
To see if that will fix any corrupt files.

Do you have Vista or 7?

The above is for Vista, this is for 7,
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html?ltr=S

 

[richc46]

If the sfc command does not work, a reapair install may be in order, as you have mentioned. That should work.

 

[Katmandu]

Do you have Vista or 7?

The above is for Vista, this is for 7,
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html?ltr=S

Windows 7.

I did the sfc/ scannow.

It said there were corrupted files found but could not be repaired. Log info is in C:Windows/Logs/cbs.log file.

There's 4MB of logs there. I have no idea how decipher it all.

Now what ?

 

[richc46]

If SFC finds corrupted files, use it another 3 times or so. It repairs only one file at a time.

Then do the repair install, using the Window 7 DVD.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?ltr=R

 

[Katmandu]

If SFC finds corrupted files, use it another 3 times or so. It repairs only one file at a time.

Then do the repair install, using the Window 7 DVD.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?ltr=R

Ok, I'll run SFC again a couple more times.

BTW, the original issue I had with this Profile's Installer program "appears" to be corrected. I had to go into the Security settings and check off more Authorizations.

I'm still a bit reluctant to do a Repair Install for great fear of ****ing up my system. Again! lol!

 

[richc46]

There is no right or wrong. It is your computer, take all the advice that you are given, and choose what makes you comfortable.

 

[Tepid]

If it is only a profile issue...

Why not create a new account (this also creates a new profile).
Try what you need in the new account and see if it works then.

If the Windows Installer is messed up then yeah, probably have to do a repair install.

Then get rid of AVG and get Microsoft Security Essentials. AVG really is garbage.

 

[Katmandu]

If it is only a profile issue...

Why not create a new account (this also creates a new profile).
Try what you need in the new account and see if it works then.

If the Windows Installer is messed up then yeah, probably have to do a repair install.

Ok. I did the sfc /scannow thing (5) times under the Admin profile. No Luck.

I created a NEW Profile, copied all my files there.... Still broken.

Finally did a FULL REPAIR INSTALL (many hours)..... STILL BROKEN.

I'm going to Uninstall AVG and get MSE.

NOW WHAT ?

 

[Tepid]

If none of that worked,,,, do a clean install.

 

[derekimo]

If none of that worked,,,, do a clean install.

That's your best option.

 

[Tepid]

Oh,, and backup your data first to an external drive.

 

[richc46]

Reluctantly, I must agree with the others. If nothing else worked, bite the bullet, and do the reinstall.

 

[TheCurve]

Also dont forget that most computers come with an Administrator account on top of the main profile one. Unless deleted login should be Administrator with no pass. hope it helps!

 

[yiwuyun]

try to reinstall the windows installer.

 

[Katmandu]

try to reinstall the windows installer.

I haven't been sucessful in finding the one that is Compatible with Windows 7 32-bit.

This current install (of Windows 7) is actually running pretty decent. It's just the annoyance of the Installer/Updating that is a PITA.

I hate doing clean installs on my system. Friggin takes days to get everything back the way I want it. Just venting......

 

[richc46]

Did you use Windows Easy Transfer, everything will go back except the programs. You can install the programs as you need them.

 

[derekimo]

try to reinstall the windows installer.

I haven't been sucessful in finding the one that is Compatible with Windows 7 32-bit.

This current install (of Windows 7) is actually running pretty decent. It's just the annoyance of the Installer/Updating that is a PITA.

I hate doing clean installs on my system. Friggin takes days to get everything back the way I want it. Just venting......

This probably isn't what you want to hear but you would have been done with a clean install by now, unfortunately that is your best option to get rid of your frustration. Everyone has given you all other options to try, so if that's not working for you, start fresh. Backup all your important data so you can move it back or try rich's suggestion of using easy transfer. Take a screenshot of all your installed programs so you can remember what to install to have them all back after your clean install.

 

[Katmandu]

Did you use Windows Easy Transfer, everything will go back except the programs. You can install the programs as you need them.

I have used WET in the past....

Can I do an Easy Transfer to an External HDD, do a fresh install of Windows 7 and then do an Easy Transfer (from the External HDD) back to the fresh Windows 7 install ??

 

[richc46]

That is how it works, so yes

There have been problems with WET (I had none). I would also make another back up of valuable documents.