Windows Installer Service problems

No -- never used a registry cleaner -- ever!
Anti-virus always up-to-date as are anti-spyware. I do use Norton, but it's the same one used on my laptop with 32 bit Vista which doesn't have a problem!

When it gets near its expiry and even not I've had it kick in some "privacy" protection and find it interferring with the machine operation.

So we start uninstalling this and other items until it works again and then try again.

-> Worth noting is Spybot and Norton. Yes this combo used to be fine but as Norton or Spybot changed you find this and any mix of protection softwares to create what we call toxic combos.

These are not fun to figure out and what makes it hard is the usual "it worked before" statements from the owners.


Here's the deal. It's something we did or malware did. Norton is not enough on its own to prevent this sort of damage so we use the clues, stories and look at HIJACKTHIS logs to see if it is something we've seen before.
Bob

Thanks, Bob. I really appreciate you taking the time to help with this. I don't use Spybot, I currently have AdAware with the Norton, but I'll try going back (& forth) again.
I'd originally thought it was a 64 bit Vista & iTunes problem since I know others have had problems with the combination, however, when I checked the Apple forums, the solutions posted there didn't do a thing for me. HP techs seemed to know less than I do about solutions, suggesting things I'd already tried. I've searched Windows website for a new download of Installer but didn't find one specific to Vista & am leery of downloading something specific to another Windows version & (possibly)screwing things up even more, if possible!
Do you know, though, if, for instance,a Windows 7 upgrade would include it's own installer service? I like the idea of switching to Win 7 & if it'll help my problem, all the better. If not, I've really got to figure out what the problem is with this thing! Thanks again.
Susan

Have found to interact (badly) so look to eject one or both.

The 7 upgrade from Vista 64 to Windows 7 64 bit Home Premium was something I did just a few days ago (let me write about MY own machines rather than other customers here) and it did change to its own installer and more.

That may be a cure but let me share this.

I uninstalled every application I could including Roxio, Antivirus, Firewalls and more to clear the road and make it as easy as possible for the Microsoft upgrade to work its magic.

4 hours later it was done and the machine is doing fine.
Bob

Very good to know -- all of above. Thank you very much.
If (when?) I upgrade, I'd uninstall all un-necessaries before-hand as well. Make it easier takes care of 'housecleaning' as well.