Windows Installer error 1601 and 1607!

Hello,
After recently installing a new motherboard and processor and motherboard into my home build, I have experienced some problems with installing software: Here is some more detail:
I installed the new motherboard, and was forced to install windows onto a new partition because of driver troubles. The install went well, exept fo the fact that everything was saved onto what WAS the C: drive, and still had that system path. So to avoid a laborious task, i used Regedit to turn the NEW boot drive into the O: drive, and the partition with my stuff on back to the C: drive, which was a success. However, since then, I have not been able to install any software, as all of my windows installer files are suddenly missing from my O: drive.
I have tried:
CCleaner
SFC
Un-registering and re-registering msiexec.exe
repair install
full re-install of windows
altering the paths of the registries in regedit
Restarting the service with services.msc

all to no avail. I cannot install anything that is MSI based, not even my sound driver! Every time I try, I just get either error 1601 or error 1607, or just simply 'Windows installer service could not be accessed'.

Please help, this is driving me crazy!!


-Spaz

Thanks for that, but as mentioned, everything has already been attempted.

Anyone willing to offer help??

Seriously, I am going mad without any sound/without the ability to install programs.

May or may not help, but you have this update from WU yet?

Applications using multi-package installation on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 may fail to install

When you try to install an application that uses the multi-package feature on a computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, the installation may fail. Additionally, error 1601 occurs.

I've just tried changing the path of msiexec.exe from c to o, but still ditto.

Wish I had better news bu you simply cannot do what you tried to do without ruining your installation.

If you change your mobo you cannot expect Win7 to start up except by getting lucky. Otherwise the procedure is to SysPrep on the old hardware which prepares the installation for the change by removing drivers, Hardware ID, Security ID's and activation so it will start like a new installation but with all of your customizations.

Alternatives are Paragon Adaptive Restore CD which is no longer available except in Paragon Imaging apps, or imaging with Acronis True Image with Universal Restore which will sysprep during reimaging.

Any attempt to work around this by registry edits will fail sooner or later. Workarounds which work would be known to us already as we've been with the OS since before it's release and beta and know all of its tricks.

Your best bet is to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which steps are the same for retail.