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General discussion

Windows Installer pop up

by marthapalkovic Dec 18, 2009 9:47AM PST

I am running WindowsXP 32 bit. I had problems with "Personal Security" pop up with a message I had a severe virus. I paniced and clicked on Run. When I realized my error I did a restore which took the Personal Security off. But now I am dealing with Windows Installer popping up stalling my Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. I have tried to download Windows Installer 4.5 from the Microsoft Website with no luck. I also tried to reinstall my WindowsXP thinking part of Windows Installer became corrupted or deleted. No luck there either. I have read about Regcure but am hesitant to deal with the registry, especially after reading the forum regarding Regcure. I need some suggestions, please.

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5 Posts
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Not Regcure
by MarkFlax Forum moderator Dec 19, 2009 9:05PM PST

Please, don't ever think of using RegCure or any other scam like that.

It seems this Personal Security malware has corrupted the Windows installer. You could try Microsoft's own Windows Installer Cleanup Utility at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

Although the title is specifically about Office products, the same utility can be used for other problems.

Beware though. This is a powerful tool, and incorrect use can cause further damage.

Good luck.

Mark

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Windows Installer Clean-up to fix Windows Installer
by marthapalkovic Dec 20, 2009 8:58AM PST

Thanks for the response, Mark. I have downloaded the Windows Installer Clean-up but now I don't know what to do with it.

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It' a long time since I used it
by MarkFlax Forum moderator Dec 20, 2009 8:07PM PST

and may be this is not the best utility for you to use. It frightened me to death when I had to use it.

Can you tell us more about the problems you are having with Internet Explorer and Outlook Express?

Does Internet Explorer open? If so, can you use it? Which version of Internet Explorer? What happens when you attempt to use it?

Does Outlook Express open, and can you use it? If no, what happens?

Microsoft, (again), has a web page that might help with repairing IE, here;
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=318378#XSLTH3126121123120121120120

Since Internet Explorer and Outlook Express are closely integrated, repairing one may repair the other.

If that doesn't work, we can try the System File Checker, SFC.

Mark

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Windows Installer still tries to install something
by marthapalkovic Dec 21, 2009 9:46AM PST

Thanks for the advice Mark. I went to the Microsoft website and did a repair download of Internet Explorer 8. Nothing has changed. When I try to open Internet Explorer, Windows Installer pops up with a window saying "preparing to install". I can't do anything with my computer until that is either "end task" (which also removes my Internet Explorer attempt) or just wait it out. The same thing happens when I try to use Outlook Express or Outlook for my email. I have tried to cancel Windows Installer but nothing happens.

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Still problems.
by MarkFlax Forum moderator Dec 21, 2009 7:04PM PST

I'm still reluctant to suggest you use that Windows Installer Cleanup utility. I see you have mentioned IE8, in XP, which XP Service Pack is installed?

Look at the options in the Microsoft Knowledge Based article here - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555175 and try Method 1.

You have already tried Method 2, and M3 I am not sure about. Method 5 may be useful, but I doubt the others will be. Reboot after any method you try.

If they fail, try the guidance in the Annoyances.com forum post here;
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article08-103

Download, install, run and update Malwarebytes' Anti-malware. When it is updated it may close down. {Restart it and} run a full scan.

I note you reinstalled XP. That should have solved the problem as it replaces all system files and starts afresh, so it is strange that didn't fix the problem. Was this a complete reinstall, or just a 'Repair" install?

Mark

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