Windows Installer (Vista)

Hello, I have a new HP desktop, Vista Home Premium SP1 x64 and I'm
starting to wish I didn't.

When I try to Update or Install programs I get the following:

"The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. This can occur if
you are running Windows in safe mode, or if the Windows Installer is not
correctly installed. Contact your support personnel for assistance."

When I try to download and install the Installer I get: "The update
does not apply to your system". I'm on x64 but I tried them both anyway.
Same error.
Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x64.msu
Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x86.msu
So I tried the Windows Installer Cleanup wizard, msicuu2.
It returns errors: Internal Error 2908 and then Error: 1406 along with
"make sure sufficent access".
I checked Also: "MSIServer" is assigned correct value.
Services shows the Installer as Started in manual.
I tried to unrgerister and re-register from the Command prompt, in Safe
Mode MSIexec /unregister
MSIexec /regserver
I even ran the SFC all without result. I can't get that Installer out
of there. Any Thoughts? Fred.

I have the same error message :(. I've tried all sorts of things
suggested by technical forums without success. A very kind man at Serif,
who's software I was trying to install has spent an hour on the phone
trying to sort the problem for me. Even installing
Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x86 the 4.5 version brings up the same message.
In system configuration it says Windows installer is running and in
sevices.msc it says it is started and is set to manual. Any solutions
would be very much appreciated.:confused:

And this is customer no. 3 which has teh same problem. I cannot install ANY
program anymore since the Windows Installer "has not been installed
correctly". When I try to install the latest version of the WIndows
Installer, the program starts to install but quite quickly says that there is
not enough disk space to process this request. And I have 111 Gb of free
space left!!!!

I bought a program, and you are supposed to deliver a working program.
Please solve this asap, as this blocks me in my work!!!!!

[bronygarth]

This isn't an official Microsoft area. It's a peer-to-peer area only.

Has anyone resolved this issue? I have the same Windows Installer problems on Vista 64. Have tried everything.

We are having exactly the same problems ...

We purchased a new HP computer a couple of months ago, and have since bought Microsoft's Natural Mouse but haved been unable to install it - the errors are just as other members have related.

I'd be very grateful to hear if others have overcome this problem

I am experiencing the same thing. I have had this Vista 64 bit machine
for about 3 weeks. I installed some of the programs I need, and then I
started to receive this error that says Windows Installer is not present
or is not properly installed. I have tried every down load I can find.
When I look in System Configuration, it says the Windows Installer is
stopped, but I can't find any way to start it. I have tried right
clicking and nothing happens.

[drobinsondn]

This is beyond ridiculous!!! I have the same problem and I have been searching for MONTHS with no answers. Its crazy I cant download programs, bought a new webcam today... its useless... So what I have to wait 5 months and then shell out for Windows 7?!?

RIDICULOUS

Googling: The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. Vista

I wish I could be helpful with this but I never was able to find a
solution. I was forced to reinstall Windows Vista to correct it. The
only good thing was that it allowed me to finagle new Vista Operating
System disks out of MS. and not the crap recovery disks HP provided.
Also, as I recall it was quite easy to do and did'nt affect anything
else I already had on my PC. I do remember being furious though so I am
sympathetic. Get Loud.

Your car is low on oil. Add a quart.

[Zolika]

Hi guys

I did found the solution:

The Windows Installer service may disabled on the machine.

1. Go to "Start" -> "Run" , type "services.msc" and press on "Enter" button.

2. Double-click on the service named "Windows Installer".

3. Check the value in the "Startup type:" field. If it's currently set to "Disabled", then this is the

problem. Change it by selecting "Manual" from the drop-down box.

Or visit:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555175