Repairing Windows Installer Problems

By: Joey McClaren

Windows Installer problems are included among the group of issues you’re likely to face when running any version of Windows.



Different solutions are present for these problems, but you may not realize is that some of the most obvious only waste your precious time and money.



In fact, it all takes a little attention to detail and readiness to follow instructions. Resolving many of such issues are generally possible on your own and it takes much less time.



Many people choose to call technical support when confronted with issues with regards to Windows installation. This seems like a logical response, particularly as they are likely to give you a solution with less fuss and effort on your part. There are often drawbacks to this approach though and for many users who have gained some computer skills, fixing Windows Installer problems and other issues on your own is possible.



For example, it takes time for technical support calls. You may find yourself waiting on hold instead of doing research or solving your Windows Installer problems.



Next, when you finally speak with an agent, you have to make sure that your computer is switched on before you can even begin resolving your problem.



Do you still have time for that?



Another popular option is taking your computer into a shop, but again, it will waste your time. We live in a fast-paced information age now and no one has time be without their computer for long.



Time without your computer can be a symbol of missed opportunities or lost revenue depending on your type and level of use.



Amazingly, resolving number of issues on your own is now possible. Doing research in few minutes can help you resolve many problems without the need to spend too much time with technical support agents, thus your computer will be fully-functioning again in no time.



Here’s a few possible solutions that may have you up and running again in minutes if you are suffering from Windows Installer problems.



Solutions



You should register your Windows Installer again. In a matter of seconds, this quick fix may have some Installer issues resolved.



1) Click “Run” from the start menu.

2) A dialog box will appear, type “msiexec /unreg” then press enter.

3) Click “Run” from your start menu again.

4) A dialog box will appear again, type “msiexec/ regserver” then press enter.



Upgrade Windows Installer:



It is usually a sure method of solving many issues when applying regular system updates. Newer updates often resolve known bugs and introduce other fixes that improve system stability.



If you want to fix Windows Installer Problems quickly, it is possible to upgrade just your Windows Installer component while leaving others untouched.



1) With Microsoft Internet Explorer, go to http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads



2) On the left side of the page, a menu should be displayed. In that menu, find “Setup and System Administration” and click it, then select “Setup” once more.



3) Select “Windows Installer”, and then choose the link that matches your specific version of Windows.



4) Click “Download” to start the download and installation process for Windows Installer version 2 or newer.



Check the registry for pending installations:



Windows Installer attempts to freeze or break sometimes which leaves keys behind in the registry. Newer installations are prevented by these keys from succeeding.



Perform these following steps to check if this is the case.



1) Empty the key “HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\InProgress”

2) Empty the key “HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOperations”.



Unless you are certain of what you are doing, working with the registry is not something that should be undertaken manually.



The registry contains lost of data about your operating system installation and the different applications you have added.



Incorrectly formatted or missing registry keys may cause anything from random failures to conditions that need complete reinstallation.



Luckily, since registry problems are so common under installations of Windows, many registry cleaners and repair tools have been created.



These tools can help not only with the above solution, but can also help in determining other problems that may be making your computer to work more slowly.