[Help] How can I run Windows Installer in safe mode ?

[jobrla]

Good morning all,

I could really use someones help on this one. I am running Windows XP HOME with PC-cillion as my anti-virus. Last night as I was getting updates, I got mu noramal alert from PC-cillion that a program was tring to gain access to my computed when Windows Updates started. I screwwed up and said no, for some reason it blocked me off the internet. I shut off mt anti-virus and continued on the internet. When I was done I turned it back on and tried the internet again with no luck. Could not find what setting was causeing this, so I did a "RESTORE" to previous date. (BAD MOVE) after it re-booted, the Windows screen comes up with the running bar on bootom for about 15 seconds and freezes. Tried several times with same results.

Started in SAFE mode with no problem, tried to access PC-cillion to turn off and even tried to delete program in both add/remove and in the programs uninstall tab and get this window pop-up "The Windows Installer Servive could not be accessed. This can accure if you are running Windows in Safe Mode, or if the Windows Installer is not correcly installed"

Don't know if the PC-cillion program is causing this or something elese. Could someone give me an ideal how to get pass the boot-up screen. Willing to donate my rear off to this site if I can get this back up

THANKS for any assistance

Title edited -- Please, use correct description in your topic's title.

--Sonic

[neo]

Might be Ur Windows Installer service affected by Virus or Worm.

[jobrla]

If that is the case, could Windows installer Service be re-installed without a complete re-install of Windows??

[kof94]

This can accure if you are running Windows in Safe Mode

This explains it all!

You cannot run the Microsoft Software Installer service in safe mode i.e if your prog used a .msi installer you won't be able to uninstall it in safe mode.

My suggestion would be to run msconfig in safe mode as Admin, disable anything and everything that could affect the system booting (e.g. PC-cillion) then have another crack at a semi-normal boot.

If that doesn't work then I'd suggest a repair install from your Windows XP disc. This will basically check that everything is were it should be for normal operation without you having to resort to a full reinstall.

I know this is all basic stuff but it's always a good idea to go for the easy fixes first.

I shut off mt anti-virus

Obviously this could be a factor as well .

-kof94

P.S. Have you tired running 'Last known good configuration'? Just another quick fix thats worth a crack!

Edited May 10, 2007 by kof94

[RyanVM]

...what does this thread have to do with Unattended Windows installs?

[Kelsenellenelvian]

Agreed moved...

[cluberti]

Before everyone goes crazy telling the user to rebuild, let's do something that may actually HELP... like configure the Windows Installer service to run in safe mode:

1. Boot into Safe Mode.

2. Create the following registry key (it won't exist by default, so create this new key):

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\msiserver

(If you also want it available in Safe Mode w/ Networking, add the "msiserver" key under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Network\ key found here as well)

3. Edit the "(Default)" value in the new "msiserver" registry key, and enter "Service" in the "Value Data" box. Click OK, and close the registry editor.

4. Reboot back into Safe Mode, and the Windows Installer service should now run and allow you to add or remove programs in Safe Mode.

If you STILL can't boot after uninstalling your product at this point, _THEN_ you might want to consider a repair install or a rebuild.

[Stoic Joker]

There is also a small (free) utility called SafeMSI that will start the installer service in safemode. I've been using it for a while and it's quite handy.

[jobrla]

Thans so much for all the replies guys,

Will all of them a try and let you know the turn out

Thanks again

[kof94]

Before everyone goes crazy telling the user to rebuild, let's do something that may actually HELP... like configure the Windows Installer service to run in safe mode:

1. Boot into Safe Mode.

2. Create the following registry key (it won't exist by default, so create this new key):

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\msiserver

(If you also want it available in Safe Mode w/ Networking, add the "msiserver" key under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Network\ key found here as well)

3. Edit the "(Default)" value in the new "msiserver" registry key, and enter "Service" in the "Value Data" box. Click OK, and close the registry editor.

4. Reboot back into Safe Mode, and the Windows Installer service should now run and allow you to add or remove programs in Safe Mode.

If you STILL can't boot after uninstalling your product at this point, _THEN_ you might want to consider a repair install or a rebuild.

That is going on my list of reg tweaks. If I'd known that in the past it could of saved a lot of time.

Thanks

[2Balls]

try this........

How to resolve Common "Windows Installer" Problems

This knowledgebase can help you to resolve common Windows Installer problems.

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install/uninstall some application/s, you may get warning messages like:

"The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed"

"Windows Installer Service couldn’t be started"

"Could not start the Windows Installer service on Local Computer. Error 5: Access is denied."

CAUSE

The error messages usually appear after failed installation of MSI Package or Disabled "Windows Installer" service.

RESOLUTION

Method 1

Unregister Windows Installer, and then reregister Windows Installer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. On the "Start" menu, click "Run:.

2. In the "Open" box, type "msiexec /unreg", and then press ENTER.

3. On the "Start" menu, click "Run".

4. In the "Open" box, type "msiexec /regserver", and then press ENTER.

Method 2

Upgrade to Windows Installer version 2 or newer version. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer, and then browse to the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads

2. In the left pane tree menu, click "Setup and System Administration", and then click "Setup".

3. Click "Windows Installer", and then click the appropriate link for your operating system.

4. Click "Download" to download and install Windows Installer version 2 or newer version.

Method 3

Use Windows Installer CleanUp Utility to uninstall the failed product.

Description of the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...kb;en-us;290301

Method 4

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.

Method 5

Empty user and system "temp" folders.

1. Empty "%systemdrive%\temp" folder.

2. Empty "%systemdrive%\%windir%\temp" folder.

3. Empty "%systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Temp".

Method 6

Enable Windows Installer Logging and call to PSS support.

How to Enable Windows Installer Logging

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=223300

How to Enable Windows Installer Logging in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...kb;EN-US;314852

Method 7

Check correct DCOM and System permissions:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=319624

Method 8

If you just upgrade Windows XP workstation to service pack 2 and the windows installer

problem appear only after this upgrade, please review the following knowledgebase:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...kb;en-us;885894

Method 9

Check that the installation path length and environment variables length are execute

255 characters

Method 10

If you get the message error "Error 1628: Failed to complete script based install"

And followed the instruction above and it didn’t resolve the problem and you just create fresh

installation packet by using InstallShiled tool, please disable "Cache installation on local machine"

option during the installation packet create process.

Method 11

Check if there pending installation/s:

Warning: You should only edit these registry entries if you really know what you're doing. Back up your hard disk first.

a. Empty "InProgress" Registry Key

Check the following registry key:

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\InProgress

and clean any entries that you find.

b. Empty/Rename "PendingFileRenameOperations" Registry Key:

Check the following registry key:

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOperations

and clean any entries that you find.

Method 12

Obtain update MSI Package from the software manufacture

[jobrla]

All I can say is"you guys are awsome,

Tried most of all you discribed, I found out alot about my computer doing what you suggested, but in the end still had a problem booting up. Just for the heck of it, I went into "Manage" in "My Computer" and took a look at "System" under "Viewer" Got alarms every time it tried to load my Raid drivers, even though I do not run Raid, or even have them enabled when I built the computer. So just for S-N-G, I took my mother board CD and copied all the Raid drivers and loaded them, went into BIOS and dis-abled, and now works!!! WHAT THE HECK!!! How did this happen just by doing a restore????

Once again, all of you have took the time to help as always, and once again I learned alot,

take care