Windows Add/Remove programs is inoperative

[DTracy]

Hi all,

One of our W2k servers has a problem with add/remove programs. When the service is selected the dialog displays all the currently installed programs--no problem. When I try to install a new program or remove an old program I receive the message "The windows Installer service could not be accessed. Contact your support personnel to verify that the Windows Installer service is properly registered." No programs may be added or removed.

I downloaded the Installer service repair program instmsi.exe from the Microsoft site and tried to install it. I received the message "The specified service already exists." Well I knew that!

Anyway, there has been nothing out of the ordinary done to this server, it just quit installing. I can't even install new printer drivers, and this is our main print server.

Any ideas on a repair would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and regards,
David Tracy.

 

[aftertaf]

Ideas on a repair...

-Install latest version of DirectX
-Install latest verions of Windows Installer (v3 i think)
-Install latest version of IE.

and check for spyware, on the off chance.

Aftertaf
________
I reserve the right to be wrong, be confused, be suffering because it is monday, or because it is nearly the weekend.

 

[DTracy]

Aftertaf-

Thanks for the ideas on a repair. Sadly, I am unable to add or remove programs at this time :-(

No spyware was found. McAfee virus files are always up to date, using ePO 3.0 with Viruscan 8.0.

Regards,
David.

 

[rislejay]

Try installing the latest MDAC.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...e3-c795-4b7d-b037-185d0506396c&DisplayLang=en

 

[DTracy]

rijay-

I tried installing the MDAC as suggested. I received the error message: "A Runtime Error has occurred. Do you wish to Debug? Line:2 Error: Object doesn't support this property of method."

Also, I still cannot add or remove programs.

Thanks for the try,

David.

 

[rislejay]

Going back to your original error message, is the event logged? Can you provide that info?

A google search pulls up a ton of info on the error message and a error number will help narrow it down.

 

[DTracy]

rijay-

The server is used mainly for printers and the event log fills quickly with printing events. About the only thing I was able to find that relates to my issue is a 101 event "access denied" when I have tried to remove/install new software drivers. There were other events but they pertained to a reboot and dead services that I'm trying to fix.

Regards,
David.

 

[rislejay]

Have you seen the How to resolve Common "Windows Installer" Problems page? They list 10 methods to fix WI.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555175

 

[DTracy]

rijay-

Thanks for the link. I have tried some of these already during the course of the repair. I will try the others as well.

Regards,
David.