How to Troubleshoot Windows Installer Problems

Diagnose and repair the Windows Installer service.

The purpose of the Windows Installer service is to perform an application's install and uninstall instructions. If you are trying to remove or install software and receive a Windows Installer-related error, you will need to run through a series of checks and procedures to diagnose and repair the issue.

Instructions

1. Press the "Windows" key + "R" on your keyboard. This shortcut brings up the Run box.

2. Type "Services.msc" and click the "OK" button.

3. Scroll down to the service named "Windows Installer." Right-click on that service and select "Restart." Close the services panel and proceed to install or uninstall your application. If you still receive an error, continue reading.

4. Press the Run shortcut keys "Windows" + "R" again. In the Run box, type "msiexec /regserver" and press "Enter." Restart your computer and try using the installer service. If the service still fails, continue reading.

5. Open the Run box again, type "Regedit" and click "OK." Right-click on the {HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT} folder and select "Permissions," then look at the usernames list and locate "System." If "System" is not in the username list, click the "Add" button and type "System" in the "Enter the object names to select" box.

6. Click on "Allow" in the Permissions box for System. Click the "Apply" button and restart your computer. Attempt to add or remove the application that uses the installer service.

7. If the installer service still generates an error or fails to run, you should run the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility (see Resources) or perform a repair install of the operating system.

References

• Microsoft: How to Resolve Common Windows Installer Problems

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Microsoft: Windows Installer CleanUp Utility