Solved Cannot find windows installer msi files; windows 7 upgrade to 10

[pdoyle]

Pls advise how to again be able to install programs like Office 2010 and iTunes; which started failing a month ago in windows7, and the upgrade to windows 10 hasn't helped. I hate to throw this laptop away, but it's useless without itunes and office. It did install all windows updates done yesterday just before upgrading to windows 10. it seemed to install 10 upgrade without a problem.

1. windows installer service lets me start it, but it's greyed out so cannot change Manual to Automatic under Properties.
2. search cannot find any .msi files; itunes6464.msi, e.g.
3. installing itunes and office, failure shows 'the network resource with the msi file cannot be found. select another pathway.'
4. already uninstalled every Apple program/folder, then tried install.
5. This laptop given to me by employer as it was obsolete; the 7 OS Key isn't recognized by microsoft as authentic, so cannot do clean install. i've tried the Key on underside on the Asus tag; i've also tried a different key found by Belarc on the OS; neither are recognized by microsoft. Maybe my employer quit a subscription or something...
6. Windows Repair useless. rollback to restore point doesn't work; that feature has never worked for me on any device, ever.
7. my system specs are in my profile

thank you!!

 

[AddRAM]

So what is it you want to do ??

 

[jc836]

Simple solution would be to buy an OEM copy of Win 7. You will need to have the drivers including Chipset and Network on a disc ready to install. Download from the laptop's website.
Another point that is important - DO NOT connect to the internet at all until you have the OS running and the drivers installed. Make certain that you DO NOT have Windows Update set to Automatic. You can then very carefully start the Update process.
You must not allow several specific updates by hiding them. This includes the one ending in 5583. Therte are over 200 updates that will be offered. The list of those you do not want is here on the Forum.
Doing this will delete all of your files so make a backup if you can.
Good luck

 

[AddRAM]

Updates not to Install

KB2876229 SKYPE, If you want Skype then install it.
KB2923545 RDP
KB2970228
KB3035583
KB2990214
KB3021917
KB3068708 Telemetry
KB2592687
KB2660075
KB2506928
KB2952664 x2
KB3050265
KB2726535
KB2994023
KB3022345 Replaced by KB3068708 Telemetry

KB3022345 Caused false sfc result
KB2545698 (IE9)
KB3065987
KB3077715
KB3078667
KB3080149 Telemetry
KB3075249 Telemetry
KB2999226
KB3083710
KB3097966
KB3095649
KB3102810 Fixes slow Windows update, I don`t need it.
KB3107998
KB3097877 Cause sidebar to stop working
KB3102429 Foreign Currency update (Useless)
KB3112343 Windows Update Client

KB3135445 Windows Update Client

KB3123862 Windows 10

KB3138612 Windows update Client

 

[AddRAM]

Why doesn`t the key on your COA work ?

Are you entering it correctly ?

 

[pdoyle]

- Yes double-checked for correct product key windows 7 Home Premium on underside of laptop, it wasn't recognized. I read that manufacturers will change the product key but not correct the microsoft label attached. I was surprised the product key shownb after running software check with Belarc was different still; yet it also was rejected by microsoft as not genuine. This was my employer's laptop so I have no install disc; which it probably never had.
- by OEM copy of Windows 7, do you mean buy that from Asus; or from Microsoft?
= I also was unable to obtain original drivers from the Asus website for this model. Ran SlimDrivers program which saved a backup of all drivers, I believe; so that should work.

 

[pdoyle]

Simple solution would be to buy an OEM copy of Win 7. You will need to have the drivers including Chipset and Network on a disc ready to install. Download from the laptop's website.
Another point that is important - DO NOT connect to the internet at all until you have the OS running and the drivers installed. Make certain that you DO NOT have Windows Update set to Automatic. You can then very carefully start the Update process.
You must not allow several specific updates by hiding them. This includes the one ending in 5583. Therte are over 200 updates that will be offered. The list of those you do not want is here on the Forum.
Doing this will delete all of your files so make a backup if you can.
Good luck

Why doesn`t the key on your COA work ?

Are you entering it correctly ?

- Yes double-checked for correct product key windows 7 Home Premium on underside of laptop, it wasn't recognized. I read that manufacturers will change the product key but not correct the microsoft label attached. I was surprised the product key shownb after running software check with Belarc was different still; yet it also was rejected by microsoft as not genuine. This was my employer's laptop so I have no install disc; which it probably never had.
- by OEM copy of Windows 7, do you mean buy that from Asus; or from Microsoft?
= I also was unable to obtain original drivers from the Asus website for this model. Ran SlimDrivers program which saved a backup of all drivers, I believe; so that should work.

Also; my goal is to be able to install iTunes, Office, and other programs. I believe since the missing file is windows installer, I won't be able to install any programs in its current state.

 

[AddRAM]

The key you found is a factory mass activation key, the manufacturer does not use the key on your COA to activate windows, that key is for me or you when you want to reinstall windows.

No clue why you can`t activate windows with the key on your COA

"I believe since the missing file is windows installer, I won't be able to install any programs in its current state."

What are you talking about here ?????

If you need a 64 bit Home Premium iso file to create a dvd installer, you can download it here. This link will expire in 24 hours.

http://software-download.microsoft....1459794528&h=b129672cc079e485556cac50870daad8

 

[torchwood]

If your specs are correct, neither key will work, the Motherboard (asustek) been swapped at some point the, whilst the Comp is an Acer, thats why you got the invalid, not recognised key message.

Roy

 

[jc836]

OEM copy of Windows 7 Home or Professional (my preference) are available from several sources including Amazon, Newegg and Tiger.

 

[torchwood]

They will have to be OEM SYSTEM BUILDER or Retail.

Roy

 

[pdoyle]

OEM copy of Windows 7 Home or Professional (my preference) are available from several sources including Amazon, Newegg and Tiger.

The key you found is a factory mass activation key, the manufacturer does not use the key on your COA to activate windows, that key is for me or you when you want to reinstall windows.

No clue why you can`t activate windows with the key on your COA

"I believe since the missing file is windows installer, I won't be able to install any programs in its current state."

What are you talking about here ?????

If you need a 64 bit Home Premium iso file to create a dvd installer, you can download it here. This link will expire in 24 hours.

403 - Forbidden

Why doesn`t the key on your COA work ?

Are you entering it correctly ?

Thanks everyone for helpful suggestions! Esp. re. activation key for windows 7 "not working;" that got me thinking more. my solution; My Computer Properties, I found 7 was Activated. Decided to upgrade to Windows 10; it worked fine, recognized my key automatically. Windows 10 is working great so far; and successfully installed iTunes. My fear was Windows 10 upgrade may not work if 7 was corrupted; but it seems fine and it's faster as well. Thanks again!

 

[AddRAM]

It`s an entirely new OS, of course it`s perfect

Faster ????? Only in your mind, it may seem faster because it`s a fresh install.