Windows Installer Keeps Installing, Recurring Windows Update Installer?

Question

Here's a tricky problem that i hope someone out there can help me correct on my pc. I recently (accidentally, while looking for the Recovery Console on the Windows Xp cd) re-installed Windows Xp 2003 over the top of itself (not what i would normally suggest anyone do! lol) and now, for some unknown reason (other that i've gone and stuffed things up i guess.... lol), it keeps trying to install the Msoft Windows 3.1 Installer. I accepted and installed a few times and rebooted even (yes, ok so i'm not so bright either LOL) and it still persists so i've hid the icon so it doesn't show up in systray.

Anyway, does anyone know how i can fix this problem and tell the computer that i already have installed this Installer so that i can continue to get updates automatically? I'd be most grateful for any advice and knowledge that any of you more experienced computer users can pass on.

Regards, have fun on the net!

Answer 1

Actually, the answer to your question is easier than both of the above answerers made it out to be. If you re-loaded windows on your computer, the likelyhood of a restore point before the install is slim.

Microsoft is aware that Windows Installer has issues. Here's one link to the knowledge base that will help you troubleshoot, including re-registering and uninstalling/reinstalling the current Installer instance. I am certain that following the attached knowledge base will fix it for you.

Once you have installer fixed, you may notice that some of your programs that were installed prior to your 'recovery' may not work, or may not be able to be installed / uninstalled. Microsoft has a Windows Installer Cleanup Utility that will aid in this step.

Answer 2

You have all my sympathies. Having been a Windows ex-user myself, I can honestly say that I've been there, seen that, done that! Trust me, Windows sucks! Big time!

Now, the only option you really have is to uninstall and reinstall Windows. And that's not the best option; because Windows only allows you to install the CD twice and most of the times the second installation doesn't work!? You'll then need to call their Call Center in India, where the guys aren't too helpful; and yell at them to get them to generate a fresh product key code to help you install the CD again.

Now, that only possible if you are an American and bought the comp and Windows on US soil. If it's anywhere else, God help you, because Windows wont!

There's one thing that might work though, and that's a roll back.

You could try doing a "System Restore" by going to "Start", then " Settings", "Performance and Maintenance" and there, to the "System Restore" that you'll find on the top left hand side of the page.

Click on that and another page will appear with the reset option where you can roll back your settings to the last known date and time when your comp did not have this problem. The rest is easy; so don't really worry about it.

Generally, a System Restore should resolve the issue because it gets rid of any and all softwares that were loaded after that date and time; but, with MS, you can never tell.

In such an event, God forbid, you'll need to uninstall and reinstall Windows and be prepared to scream your head off to the Indians of their Call Center!

I'll pray for you and hope that the System Restore works for you!

Cheers

PS,

You might also consider migrating to Linux like I did, and, honestly, I'm happy I don't have to worry about MS anymore!

Answer 3

acquire the dwelling house windows cleanup application. Open it and pull out the offending software (dwelling house windows installer). Then, use your information superhighway browser and manually acquire this gadget from Microsoft downloads. you additionally can get unfastened help from Microsoft related to protection downloads (The installer might qualify)

Answer 4

Go to Start, then All Programs, then to Accessories, then to System Tools, then to System Restore, then choose to restore your PC to an earlier than the date of change.