How to Make My Computer Stop Blinking on the Windows Installer Screen

Programs that you install on your system from an installation disc or a downloaded file will typically use the Windows Installer service. This is a service for Windows that stores installation data for all programs which are installed using the Windows Installer package. The Windows Installer window will blink on the screen if there is an error with the installer package for a previously installed program.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and type "cmd" into the search box. Press the "Enter" key and a DOS window will open.

2. Type "msiexec /unregister" and press the "Enter" key to unregister the Windows Installer engine. Type "msiexec /regserver" and press "Enter" to reregister the Windows Installer engine.

3. Type "msiexec" and press the "Enter" key to see if there are any error messages. If an error message appears you may need to download and reinstall the Windows Installer. If no errors appear run the update for the program or try again to remove it.

4. Double click the setup file for the program update to run the install.

5. Click the "Start" button and type "programs." Click the option for "Add or Remove a Program." Run the uninstall if you are tying to remove a program.

Tips & Warnings

• Redownload the setup file, if needed, if a corrupt file causes the "preparing to install" dialog box to appear when trying to run the program.

• The Windows Installer will attempt to reinstall a program if there is an error with the installer package.

References

• Microsoft: How to Troubleshoot Problems That May Occur When You Install, Uninstall, or Upgrade a Program on a Windows-Based Computer

Resources

• Microsoft: Windows Installer