Cannot access Windows Installer - can't reinstall

[ehwj]

I wanted to make sure everyone in the thread understood the difference, that's all. There seemed to be a rush to reinstall when the Win7 installer service is reparable if all steps are completed.

Now for the fourth time will you please answer Derek's question?

Slow down --
May be hard for you to believe but within a very short time this afternoon I got replies from at least 4 maybe 5 people. Some with replies that seemed in point others maybe not so much. I was not inclined to follow everyone's suggestions at the same time. Then when I was told the way I had run the program was OK and it failed to reinstall windows installer.
Then when you talked in terms of me not knowing what I needed and hijacking the thread I have no idea who you are and why you are jumping in.

OK now that is off my chest, back to Derek. I reran the Windows_Installer.reg. This time right clicking on the reg file and selecting merge. Popup said Windows Installer was fixed.
That may be so, but when I try to install a application I get error message that cannot install. Error message reads: "The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed.This can occur if the Windows Installer is not correctly installed. . Contact your support personnel for assistance.

I am way over my head in all this. I am more than open to suggestions. What else can I try to reinstall Windows Installer service?????

 

[gregrocker]

No one said you were hijacking the thread. What are you talking about?

You wrote that the last thing you wanted to do was reinstall, yet the thread was headed entirely in that direction so I only intervened to clear up possible confusion by others that the Installer service which you cannot get started is not related to Win7 installer which reinstalls Windows. This is a frequent source of confusion which I have seen derail threads here before in the past five years.

I even consulted with the Admin of the forums who suggested I clarify this.

Why you took this personally I have no idea. I was trying to help you. I have helped solve this issue perhaps a hundred times before here.

 

[Slartybart]

We can't move forward until you verify that the Windows_Installer.reg file was merged and the sc delete msiserver was successful.


If you're confused go back to post# 6 and follow Andrews instructions in that post.

 

[ehwj]

No one said you were hijacking the thread. What are you talking about?

You just wrote that the last thing you wanted to do was reinstall, yet the thread was headed entirely in that direction so I only intervened to clear up confusion by others that the Intsaller service which you cannot get started is not related to Win7 installer which reinstalls Windows. This is a frequent source of confusion which I have seen derail threads here before in the past five years.

Why you took this personally I have no idea. I was trying to help you. I have helped solve this issue perhaps a hundred times before here.

Good luck.

Unsubscribed.

And your point is well taken. I've been at this for almost 12 hours living on coffee and hoping I would have time to eat. Didn't take personally, but I was a little testy. I didn't hijack the thread but you said it had been hijacked and since this is my first posting to this I wanted to be sure no one thought it was me. Anyway sorry for any misunderstandings and Thank you for making sure I understood your concern.

 

[ehwj]

We can't move forward until you verify that the Windows_Installer.reg file was merged and the sc delete msiserver was successful.


If you're confused go back to post# 6 and follow Andrews instructions in that post.

Wow --- Posts coming in faster than I can type. Anyway I ran again. This time with right click and select Merge. Message said successful, but when I tried to install a program said Windows Installer not installed. FWIW I'm not sure if it is relevant, but a search for < msiexec.exe > shows no file by that name.

 

[Slartybart]

ehwj: Greg is a big help around here, I was discussing this thread and trying to get his help to avoid a reinstall if possible.

Anyway, it's getting late here, I was up at 4 am and think it might be a good time to call it quits for tonight. You have everything you need if it's decided that a reinstall is the only avenue.

You have some good folks here that might be able to help you avoid that.

I'll read any updates tomorrow.

Bill
-

 

[ehwj]

Thanks for all your help. And despite what ever happened when the dust clears let Greg know he helped and it is appreciated.
What is my next step?

 

[Slartybart]

Just thought of something:

navigate to c:\ in an explorer window and type
msiexec
in teh search box

anything found this time?

What's the next step - I'm hitting the sack.

 

[andrew129260]

If I remember correctly you stated you had issues running programs as well. I wonder if you set the file extensions to default if that would help/solve the issue...

See here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19449-default-file-type-associations-restore.html

1.) Please pay attention to the information and instructions in the tutorial that is linked.

Download the exe reg file as well as the msi reg file. Double click the downloaded files and click yes to continue, then ok. Restart the pc.

Any different?

 

[ehwj]

If I remember correctly you stated you had issues running programs as well. I wonder if you set the file extensions to default if that would help/solve the issue...

See here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19449-default-file-type-associations-restore.html

1.) Please pay attention to the information and instructions in the tutorial that is linked.

Download the exe reg file as well as the msi reg file. Double click the downloaded files and click yes to continue, then ok. Restart the pc.

Any different?

Happy to do so . But before I do, may I mention that when I find a program I cannot open the error message says the the executable has been changed or moved. When I search for that executable it is not found. For example cannot open Quicken 2014. Error says qw.exe has moved or cannot be found. Search does not turn up qw.exe.

Is this an indication of file type associations?

I went ahead and merged the msi and exe reg files. Rebooted. Unfortunately - no change. Still cannot install/uninstall/change or repair programs.

 

[Slartybart]

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

 

[Slartybart]

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

 

[ehwj]

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.

 

[Slartybart]

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: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

---

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

:ar: Malwarebytes is a good place to start.
:info: 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

:warn: 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.

:ar: 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

 

[Slartybart]

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
-

 

[andrew129260]

@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?

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

 

[Slartybart]

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

 

[ehwj]

@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?

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

First, thank you Andrew for getting me started.
To be sure everyone knows the background - the original installation of Win7 Home Premium was on PC when purchased and the Repair disc was prepared from that installation. This is the results of the MGADIal.exe run:

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-8G7XD-Q668P-GGM6F
Windows Product Key Hash: PKLh7laUlYYPnBnGoi9vrPoH6tw=
Windows Product ID: 00359-OEM-9817163-18521
Windows Product ID Type: 8
Windows License Type: COA SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003
ID: {CC79909D-C61B-4982-A367-E3A43F98B63A}(3)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Home Premium
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.130828-1532
TTS Error: 
Validation Diagnostic: 
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 109 N/A
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{CC79909D-C61B-4982-A367-E3A43F98B63A}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-GGM6F</PKey><PID>00359-OEM-9817163-18521</PID><PIDType>8</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-4113225165-2954706880-1557831085</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>LENOVO</Manufacturer><Model>IdeaCentre K330B</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>LENOVO</Manufacturer><Version>DPKT15A</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="6"/><Date>20110225000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>5DBB3907018400FE</HWID><UserLCID>0409</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>Central Standard Time(GMT-06:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>LENOVO</OEMID><OEMTableID>TC-03   </OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>109</Result><Products/><Applications/></Office></Software></GenuineResults>  

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, HomePremium edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_COA_SLP channel
Activation ID: 5e017a8a-f3f9-4167-b1bd-ba3e236a4d8f
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00359-00196-171-618521-02-1033-7600.0000-3112011
Installation ID: 000562696670359311213926232612801520344836226614705636
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: GGM6F
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 4
Trusted time: 1/27/2014 8:31:38 PM

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 10:31:2013 12:22
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:


HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: NAAAAAEABAABAAIAAAACAAAAAQABAAEAln0i2+QEekNiNEQ1St0ifr5yznBiPSj58rcucw==

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x20001
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information: 
  ACPI Table Name    OEMID Value    OEMTableID Value
  APIC            LENOVO        TC-03   
  FACP            LENOVO        TC-03   
  HPET            LENOVO        TC-03   
  MCFG            LENOVO        TC-03   
  SSDT            LENOVO        TC-03   
  SLIC            LENOVO        TC-03

 

[NoelDP]

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.

 

[andrew129260]

@ 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.