Do-It-Yourself Windows Installer Fixes

Although fixing problems with automated tools such as SlimCleaner Plus is a recommended route, we have compiled step-by-step instructions to fixing the most common issues below. WARNING: these instructions are intended to be followed precisely.
(Please note that before trying any of the solutions below, you must be logged into your computer as an Administrator.)

• Check whether Windows Installer engine is functioning.

1. Click Start > Accessories > Command Prompt.
2. At the command prompt, type MSIExec and press Enter. MSI refers to the Windows Installer.
3. In the MSI engine is working, you should see no error messages. However, if you see an error message, note down the error. Search for it in a search engine such as Google to find troubleshooting solutions.
4. Now try to install or uninstall the program again. If the problem persists, go to the next fix.

• Check that Windows Installer service is not disabled.

1. Click Start and type service.msc in the Search box and press Enter.
2. The Services window is opened. Right-click on ‘Windows Installer’ service, then click ‘Start’. The service needs to start without any errors.
3. Now try to install or uninstall your program again. If it persists, try the next fix.

• Check for latest version of Windows Installer.

Click Start > Accessories > Command Prompt.

1. Once the command prompt window opens up, type MSIExec and press Enter. If MSI engine is working, you should see no error messages, and it should open a separate dialog box, which shows the MSI version.
2. If the installer version doesn’t show as version 4.5, download the latest version at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942288/
3. Now try to install or reinstall your program again. If it still persists, try the next fix.

• Reregister the installer engine.

1. Click Start > Accessories > Command Prompt.
2. At the command prompt, first type MSIExec / unregister, then press Enter and type MSIExec / regserver
3. Now try to install or reinstall your program again.

• Clean your CD or DVD media.

1. If you are trying to install the program from a CD or DVD media, use a CD or DVD disc cleaning kit.
2. You can also gently wipe the silver side of the disc with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth. Make sure you do not use paper or other rough cloth as this can scratch the plastic or leave streaks that can damage the disk. Make sure you wipe the disk from the center outward and not circular motion.
3. If you use a damp cloth or commercial disk cleaning solution, wipe the disc thoroughly before inserting into the drive.

• Copy installation files to your computer.

1. If you are using a removable or external media to install the program, copy the installation files from there to your computer’s hard drive and then run the installation file from that location. It is usually called autorun.exe or setup.exe. If you are not sure, just check the Readme file in the setup folder about how to start the installation.
2. Unless there is no .exe file present in the setup folder, we do not recommend that you run .msi files directly.

• Terminating other programs running on your computer.

1. Click Start and type msconfig in the Search box.
2. One the ‘General’ tab, click ‘Selective startup’, then click to clear the ‘Load startup items’ checkbox.
3. Click ‘Services’ tab, click ‘Hide all Microsoft services’, and then click ‘Disable all’.
4. Click OK, then click Restart.
5. After the computer restarts, try to run your program installation.
6. Once you have finished troubleshooting the problem, restart your computer again.
7. Click Start, type msconfig in the Search box. Click on the ‘General’ tab, click ‘Normal startup’, click OK, then click Restart.