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Windows Installer Service could not be access

Last answer on Nov 6, 2009 11:45:09 pm GMT JudySis, on Feb 13, 2008 10:22:12 am GMT 
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Hi, all!

I'm running Vista Home Premium on my PC. I tried to install a game (Bioshock) and at the very beginning of the setup, my computer blue-screened...

When I restarted my computer, a number of programs that I have set to run at startup crashed (including Skype, MSN Messenger, iTunes, Bitcomet, and even Windows Media Player)!

I tried to install the game again, and the same blue screen appeared. After another restart, all programs crashed again...

Also when I'm trying to start them manually, I got the following message: "Windows Installer Service could not be accessed".

I found an article on Microsoft support: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315346.

Went through method 1. This did not solve the problem. However, when I tried to install Bioshock, I only got an error message (the setup never got started like before, but on the plus side I did not get another blue-screen).

Next I tried method 2, but when I completed point 3, cmd only said "file not found - dllcache".

Following advice given on an other forum I went to Add/remove programs to see if windows installer was actually there. And, guess what... It was not. So I downloaded Windows Installer, but when I tried to install it, I got the following error: "Not enough storage is available to process this command." I have about 200 GB of free space on my hard disk and 2 GB of RAM, so that seemed pretty strange to me.

Lastly, I downloaded windows installer cleanup, but when trying to install it, I got the same old error message "Windows installer could not be accessed."

I would really appreciate any help as this problem is driving me crazy.

Thanks a lot,

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1

Zack, on Feb 24, 2008 7:43:15 pm GMT

I have no same exact freaking problem, Vista was a waste of money and time.

Reply to Zack

2

Jason, on Feb 26, 2008 8:42:39 am GMT
  • +20

Click Start/Run and type:

net start MSIServer

press ENTER and try installing again.

Reply to Jason

18

kathypray, on Jul 9, 2008 4:40:06 pm BST
  • +46

Hey jason,
i tried doiong that and it still says windows installer could not be accessed...any other suggestions

Reply to kathypray

76

Anand.Periyasamy, on Apr 2, 2009 9:56:52 am BST
  • +8

Hi

I got the sam error in win 2000.
Solution :

1) Boot OS in Safe Mode.
2) Then in Run Command type msiexec\regserver
3) restart in Normal Mode

Now can install.

Reply to Anand.Periyasamy

77

yicker124, on Apr 2, 2009 2:33:43 pm BST
  • +1

Many thanks for that tip: it worked for me! Outstanding, Anand!

yicker124

Reply to yicker124

81

Tom, on Apr 21, 2009 11:18:29 am BST
  • +16

Hi...I'm having the same problem you had back in July 2008 and ran across these posts. I am trying to install iTunes version 8 and it says that my installer is missing a program needed to run. I was reading the posts that you had been making and the advice that you took but none of it worked for me. I'm running Windows XP with SP 3. Can you tell me how you solved your problem? I tried everything and now I cannot install new software on my computer. It's like having a disposable computer. Any advice you can give me would be appreciated.
Thank you...
Tom
tdemicke@rio.odn.ne.jp

Reply to Tom

89

olani, on May 15, 2009 4:23:22 pm BST
  • +1

This worked thanks

Reply to olani

94

Prescious, on Jun 17, 2009 8:58:03 pm BST
  • +1

Hi, I tried rebooting in safe mode and typing in msiexec\regserver BUT it said cannot be found with the big letter X
First you must know that I do not have xp or 2000, I have windows vista 64bit. Please help I am trying to download windows installer but it keeps saying not enough storage.

Reply to Prescious

96

ch23, on Jun 21, 2009 1:41:54 am BST
  • +1

There was an error in the command. The correct command is msiexec (insert space) /regserver. This works in xp MCE 2005 with SP3, and it may also work for you. Thanks!

Reply to ch23

97

midwestcubs, on Jun 25, 2009 8:58:02 pm BST
  • +1

Thanks...............................you, I had been trying everything for about two days to finally stumble on what you said and it worked. I had no space at first the I tried everything spaced and it didn't work. Until I did it this way. Thanks once again. My computer was a Toshiba 6100 laptop with Windows XP 2000 and 32bit.

Reply to midwestcubs

106

mike, on Jul 30, 2009 2:18:37 am BST

Could you please put it down so i could copy it

Reply to mike

22

Oscar, on Jul 28, 2008 2:21:00 pm BST
  • +4

Just wanted to thank you Jason - I tried your trick and... well, it worked for me!
My Installer is now working. Take a bow!

Reply to Oscar

24

Drgnmaster, on Aug 16, 2008 11:09:53 am BST

Thank you so much Jason, I was having this problem because of viruses and needed to install an antispyware program, I did what you said and tried the installer again and the installer started, thank you again.

Reply to Drgnmaster

34

Kit, on Nov 1, 2008 5:21:33 pm GMT
  • +5

Well Jason, amongst the 11 other things I've tried(including an upgrade install of XP) That didn'y work for me. I'm pulling my hair out, and I don't have much to begin with.

Reply to Kit

39

happyman, on Nov 19, 2008 7:45:42 pm GMT
  • +13

Thanks man greatest been trying to work out this error for ages now it works thanks alote!

Reply to happyman

42

dimv, on Dec 3, 2008 9:46:27 am GMT
  • +2

Wow, after 2 hrs of trying all the other solutions (reinstalling and registering the installer) only this one did the trick.
GREAT thank you!
only now after installing the applications, there is an error message saying that the dll was not registered and the application will not work properly.

Reply to dimv

46

Chris n Georgia, on Dec 27, 2008 8:52:12 pm GMT
  • +1

Well I'm not sure if you still check this or not but I tried going in an activating the 'installer' on my crappy VISTA and then set it to automatic, rebooted etc....then typed in what you suggested for the error (Windows Installer...blah blah) and when I typed in what you suggested it took it but nothing visible happened....I've been trying to download itunes 8, just got a new ipod and it's been the cause of this whole issue....if you have any other advice, i'd appreciate it. Merry Christmas and hope 2009 is your best year yet...I'm not a computer savvy guy, stumbling around a bit. Any help is appreciated.

Chris

Reply to Chris n Georgia

52

help, on Jan 6, 2009 12:14:46 am GMT
  • +6

I'm trying to download itunes 8.0 and I am getting this message...There is a problem with this Windows installer package a program required for this install to complete could not be run contact your support personal...pls help

Reply to help

61

sandy, on Jan 21, 2009 8:10:56 pm GMT
  • +3

Hey!
ok i had the exact same problem for like a month. i was SOO pissed! i went to this website and downloaded this: http://www.microsoft.com/...

what happened was i restarted, and deleted my previosly downloaded itunes. and EMPTY THE RECYCLE BIN.
download a NEW itunes.
you will still receive the error message, but iTunes downloaded anyway! i was SOOO happy.

Reply to sandy

54

Jose, on Jan 8, 2009 11:17:39 pm GMT
  • +2

All hail Jason!!! Thanks man, problem was driving me nuts trying to install printer drivers.

Reply to Jose

63

ziggy, on Jan 25, 2009 12:17:40 pm GMT

Thanks Jason. Trying to reinstall QuickTime. The message was always 'could not access Windows Installer Service'. Downloaded and installed the Service, to no avail. Your formula started the QuickTime installer. All then worked well. Thanks a lot.

Reply to ziggy

71

Shorty, on Mar 18, 2009 4:42:49 pm GMT
  • +2

I have been trying to download windows live messenger on my computer and im using vista software and the program is not installing what should i do

Reply to Shorty

78

itsme, on Apr 7, 2009 1:28:44 am BST

Thank you Jason for your simple solution. You're great!

Reply to itsme

105

Joe, on Jul 26, 2009 12:26:22 am BST
  • +2

I Hate You.
Go Die!!!

With Love,
Joey

Reply to Joe

109

PEACEMAKER, on Oct 5, 2009 11:29:27 am BST

Thanks jason, it realy worked forme.

Reply to PEACEMAKER

110

syed, on Oct 6, 2009 12:51:11 pm BST

Thanks dear for the information. takecare

Reply to syed

114

 Fox112003, on Nov 6, 2009 11:45:09 pm GMT

Man,

thank you very much. i tried what you suggested, and it's working.s that the service is stopped or stukked, so when i restarted the service ..... wallla ...... it's working. thanks again :).

Reply to Fox112003

3

dave, on Mar 5, 2008 5:19:25 am GMT
  • +1

I had this problem for a few weeks until I read the following article:

http://firsttube.com/read/The-Pain-of-Vista

Check your C:\Windows\System32 folder for msiexec. You should have msiexec.exe, but if you also have msiexec with NO extension (and 0 Kb in size) then this is causing your problem. I did what the article suggested and added the extension .old, allowing me to start my Windows Installer service.

Hope this helps.

Reply to dave

68

Jarvichi, on Feb 8, 2009 10:46:32 am GMT
  • +1

Amazing, fixed my problem thanks.

Reply to Jarvichi

73

Shorty, on Mar 18, 2009 8:22:36 pm GMT

That solution did not work for me what can be another option

Reply to Shorty

74

Shorty, on Mar 18, 2009 8:42:15 pm GMT

The file you sent me to is not blank. i want to know what can be another solution

Reply to Shorty

4

wasim, on Mar 7, 2008 11:04:40 am GMT

Dear freinds
pls give me the solution,
when iam going to share the foldres it's showing one error (server service is not start)

Reply to wasim

15

Deepan, on Jun 27, 2008 10:34:54 am BST
  • +2

Click Start-->Run-->type services.msc press Enter
in the Service window select Server.
if its stopped please start it and if its running please restart the service.

Reply to Deepan

5

JENJEN, on Apr 23, 2008 1:10:58 pm BST
  • +10

Go to My Computer, Right click, click on manage
New window opens
In left look for Services, click to open
In right go down to Windows Installer
Double click
In drop down bar make the Service Automatic, close
In right pane of window click on Start to start this service.

Windows Installer is now started & will work when you need it to

Jen

Reply to JENJEN

7

octotroph, on Apr 29, 2008 5:14:38 pm BST
  • +1

Thank you Jenjen! I knew it had to be something simple since this is a new laptop and I have installed a limited number of programs, mostly business.
Works for me!
Thanks again!

Reply to octotroph

8

dirk, on May 15, 2008 3:31:46 pm BST
  • +1

Hi

i went to the computer management and i clickt the star buttom but i get the error message :
Could not start the windows installer service on local computer
Error 3 : the system cannot find the path specified

i installed before Registery mechanic , did the run but nothing changes
i can still not remove are install a program

do you have a idea

greets dirk

Reply to dirk

82

IMPULSE, on Apr 22, 2009 4:16:50 pm BST
  • +1

HEY DIRK,I'M ALSO HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM DID YOU GET ANY IDEAS FROM ANYBODY TO FIX THIS???IF YOU DID,PLEASE SHARE IT WITH ME.E-MAIL ME AT ebyprasad@gmail.com

Reply to IMPULSE

19

kathypray, on Jul 9, 2008 4:53:26 pm BST
  • +4

Hey jen jen,
i did the steps but the computer is saying could not start windows installer service...error over lapped I/O opperations in progress...is there anything else i could do...thanks

Reply to kathypray

20

Brentbb, on Jul 14, 2008 3:59:08 am BST

Bravo!

Thank you so much for this. It was driving me CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep up the good work.

Reply to Brentbb

27

fano, on Sep 3, 2008 5:18:28 pm BST

Hi, thank you very much for your so useful tip!!!
it works really... wow

Reply to fano

29

wyghtlyon, on Sep 5, 2008 3:01:00 am BST

Thank you so very much. It was a simple fix, but it has plagued me for weeks. Thanx again.

Reply to wyghtlyon

35

lockie-mac, on Nov 10, 2008 5:28:26 am GMT
  • +1

Thank you thank you thank you

Reply to lockie-mac

58

fox, on Jan 17, 2009 3:49:52 pm GMT

I do not have windows installer in the manage/service

Reply to fox

60

Matei, on Jan 18, 2009 7:17:50 am GMT

Thanks this solution worked for me !

Reply to Matei

65

bean, on Jan 28, 2009 2:19:55 pm GMT

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! after hrs of aggravation... finally prob solved

Reply to bean

80

cubic, on Apr 11, 2009 10:46:30 am BST
  • +4

Hey i did everything as written but i came to this error "windows could not start the windows installer on local computer", man it's driving me crazy. i can't install any software on my computer, i really need some help.
i'm runing Windows Vista Home Premium service pack 1, 32-bit operating system.

Cubic....................

Reply to cubic

83

johnnyz, on Apr 24, 2009 9:54:15 pm BST
  • +1

Wow it worked thank you so much

Reply to johnnyz

87

Krishhhhhhh, on May 14, 2009 6:28:50 pm BST

Thanks a lot man...........the problem was such a disgusting one s.......earched for solutions in various sites..... yours is the only one worked for me........ Thanks a lot

Reply to Krishhhhhhh

90

me, on May 24, 2009 9:10:50 pm BST

Jen, worked perfectly!

Reply to me

100

Me, on Jul 2, 2009 7:58:21 am BST
  • +1

Just found this page via Google and I had to post to say thanks as your fix did the trick for me!

God bless the internet!

Reply to Me

6

dave, on Apr 23, 2008 5:56:35 pm BST

Just an additional note to JENJEN's reply (and relating back to my previous reply). You will not be able to start the Windows Installer service if "msiexec" exists twice in your C:\Windows\System32 folder (one with .exe extension and one with no extension). Be sure it only exists as "msiexec.exe".

Reply to dave

11

Jeni, on May 28, 2008 8:10:58 pm BST

How do I get rid of the 2nd file without extension it keeps coming back

Reply to Jeni

49

no idea keith, on Dec 29, 2008 4:32:57 am GMT

Only got the msiexec nothing with extentions, now got itunes setup on desktop but unable to start,help would be great

Reply to no idea keith

9

hightimes, on May 20, 2008 1:29:57 am BST

http://www.vistaheads.com/...
here is the fix that worked for me
i had same problem

Reply to hightimes

13

varex, on Jun 18, 2008 11:24:17 pm BST

I was going nuts with that windows installer error but that link that you post also fix my problem, than you dude.

Reply to varex

10

S, on May 28, 2008 10:15:45 am BST

Or just use the dial a fix tool which is free and can fix multiple problems.

1K22-1867-0795-66M4-5071-4299-A43M

Reply to S

12

HappyGuy, on Jun 6, 2008 1:17:02 am BST

I have tried almost all the methods suggested and all in vain. VISTA is a total freaking OE. Almost everything hang.
Can't :-
Add and Remove Applications
Internet Explorer - No display.
Window Mail - No images or pictures display.

VISTA is a waste of resources, money, efforts and time.

Gone case.

Reply to HappyGuy

14

AuntNeicy, on Jun 21, 2008 10:00:02 pm BST
  • +1

JenJen, you are da bomb! Thanks so much for your answer (for which I had to say "duh" and slap myself on the forehead...)!!!

Reply to AuntNeicy

16

BB, on Jun 27, 2008 11:54:19 pm BST

Supposedly, Windows XP already comes with 2.0 and should not need the installer engine added; however, I have a
Windows XP Media Center and this was initially true. I had no problems with the installer. Then several weeks ago, I began getting the referenced message infrequently, and then all the time. I went thru the update steps and was told I had the current update for the installer, yet the problem continues. Please help!!!!!!

Reply to BB

17

sania, on Jun 29, 2008 3:24:57 pm BST
  • +2

The same thing is happenin to me.. im using xp. I was trying to uninstall eset security but failed. so i removed the folder but the file is still in my programs and features. can't remove it. tried all registry 'mechanics'. cant even use windows clean up utility

Reply to sania

21

Me, on Jul 26, 2008 1:59:17 am BST
  • +1

I had the same problem and FINALLY found the solution here:

http://www.winhelponline.com/...

Reply to Me

23

GaryB, on Aug 7, 2008 9:05:07 am BST
  • +6

Hello. Had similar issue with a client running Windows XP SP2 and pretty much worked through suggestions here to no avail.
What eventually got it working.
Under Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services
Right click on the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Service
Select Log In Tab
Select Log As "Local System account" and tick "Allow service to interact with desktop"
You'll get a message that settings wont take effect until you restart the service. To do this you'll need to reboot your PC.
After reboot installer service seems to behave itself again.
Took me 2 hours to find this so hopefully my pain will save someone some time.

Reply to GaryB

36

HOCH, on Nov 10, 2008 11:14:39 am GMT
  • +1

Thank you very much my dear friend, you saved my life.

I tried all the things like re register, re install installer, registery edit etc.

this is the only one worked for me

thank you thank you.

Reply to HOCH

40

greg, on Nov 25, 2008 10:48:01 am GMT
  • +1

Yeah, I had a similar problem with Installer on XP SP3, and the only thing that fixed it was to tick the interaction with desktop. This was not one of the top 10 solutions provided by microsoft. I had to figure this one out on my own.

Greg

Reply to greg

67

kholil, on Feb 1, 2009 12:43:13 pm GMT
  • +1

Hi Greg,

I can't get to administrative tools to follow your suggestion.

I tried everything else but nothing has worked.

Could you help please?

Cheers

Kholil Uddin

Reply to kholil

111

Quinny, on Oct 7, 2009 5:56:51 pm BST

Right click on my computer, click on Manage,Click on services and apps in the right hand side window, then Click on services, this will open it for you. hope you understand. =)

Reply to Quinny

53

willy, on Jan 6, 2009 4:17:14 pm GMT
  • +1

I have tried every method on this page, including yours. In addition, I also tried Microsoft's "solutions." None of these changed the behavior of my system in any way (including re-installing XP). I still get the error message whenever I try to install anything using MS installer service. I am using XP SP2. Like others, this problem was first intermittent, then persistent. Others have suggested it is a virus, but NOD32 finds nothing suspicious. I have been working on this for a month and am almost ready to throw the whole damned system away or scrubbing the disks. Unfortunately, that is not an option. I am a professional developer with over 3 million files on my system...including hundreds of very large programs that would take weeks (months) to re-install even if it worked, and I have no way of knowing if even THAT would work!

Reply to willy

56

Deo Galvano, on Jan 9, 2009 1:20:14 pm GMT

Hello GaryB,

I was delighted to read your solution for the problem that the Windows Installer Services cannot be accessed.

I was already very desperate and was on the breaking point to start all over again with format C and install Winsows all over again.

Thank you very, very much!!!

Greetings from The Netherlands

Reply to Deo Galvano

66

kholil, on Feb 1, 2009 12:34:55 pm GMT
  • +1

Hi Gary,

This may sound stupid but i can't find administrative tools anywhere.
Please help, I brought a new game but cannot install it.
I tried everyone elses suggestions!

Reply to kholil

85

Gambit, on May 12, 2009 3:57:57 am BST
  • +1

Thanks man i did what you say and works perfectly !!
thanks

Reply to Gambit

91

Jon XP, on Jun 2, 2009 7:22:36 am BST

Gary B,

U ARE THE MAN! thanks for your advice I am able to resolve this issue which has taken me two whole days of googling!

Best Regards!

Reply to Jon XP

112

mrvex, on Oct 30, 2009 1:12:49 am GMT

UR THE MAN!!!!!!! I've been really DESPERATE for this problem for a long long time.... You saved me!!!!!!!! I've been thinking if my windows installer was broken or infected by viruses.... But, you just saved me!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS A LOT MAN!!!

Reply to mrvex

25

ARE3NA, on Aug 25, 2008 9:16:13 pm BST
  • +3

TOOK ME 3 HOURS TO FIX THIS SHAIT AND HERE IS THE SOLUTION FOR U THAT GET ERROR THAT IT CANT FIND THE PATH BLA BLA BLA


1. Download msiserver.zip and save it to Desktop.
http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/msiserv­er.zip

2. Unzip the file and extract msiserver.reg to the Desktop.
3. Right-click msiserver.reg and choose Merge.
4. Click Yes when asked for confirmation.
5. Restart Windows. (i DIDN´T :D) WORKED RIGHT AWAY

Reply to ARE3NA

41

Swarna, on Nov 28, 2008 4:53:27 pm GMT
  • +1

It worked for me too .... Vista what a buggy software !!!!

Reply to Swarna

43

willemKaye, on Dec 6, 2008 2:04:56 pm GMT
  • +1

Hi,
i had this problems for months and tried everything, until i followed what you posted, and it worked!!!

Reply to willemKaye

108

Arindam, on Aug 20, 2009 5:13:29 am BST

Excellent Solution, it worked like magic after tiring 2 hours

Thanx a lot :)

Reply to Arindam

28

arclight, on Sep 4, 2008 7:49:13 am BST
  • +1

GaryB, your solution worked for me. Had this problem for months!!!

Reply to arclight

30

Anth, on Sep 10, 2008 3:08:11 am BST
Reply to Anth

31

Shamshel, on Oct 19, 2008 11:04:35 pm BST
Reply to Shamshel

75

Diezel619, on Mar 25, 2009 8:23:43 am GMT
  • +1

Shamzel - thanks for that! I was looking every where for an MS KB article. Mines working now.

Reply to Diezel619

86

millertime199, on May 13, 2009 9:11:47 pm BST
  • +1

If the command msiexec\regserver does not work you can try msiexec /regserver and see if that works. If you get a mesage saying there is "...already an installation in progress" open task manager and end the "msiexec" process then try again.

Reply to millertime199