New
#1
Can no longer open Office docs directly
My computer will no longer let me open any Microsoft document (Word, Excel, or Powerpoint) by clicking on the document directly. I have Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2013 (aka Office 15). In order for me to access any doc, I have to open the application itself (e.g., via the start menu pin) and then search for the document I want.
When I do try to double-click on a document directly, the following happens. A Windows Installer window pops up and prepares to install something. Several minutes later, I get an error message that says, "The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. This can occur if the Windows Installer is not correctly installed."
I assume I have two problems. One, the separate issue of a faulty windows installer, along with the issue of not being able to click on a document to open it. I'm hoping there is a relatively easy fix to the latter because doing a total uninstall/reinstall of Office isn't at all appealing.