Windows installer service could not be accessed

[legbiter]

Hi,
When attempting to install SOME programs (ie Mozilla mp3Studio) the installer hangs partway through, then I get this error "Windows installer service could not be accessed..." (there is NO error number displayed), it then goes on to say that that this can occur if in safe mode, otherwise I should consult someome who gives a sh*t - so here I am

Pertinent details: Dell (yeah I know, but it was Soooo Cheeeeap) 2.8 Pentium, 1 Gig RAM, partitoned 160 Gig HD, XP Home, Kerio firewall, Avast AV, Adaware & Spybot each updated before any sweep. I run only one user account with all Admin priviledges.

What have I done to help myself? -
- downloaded fresh copies of the offending programs from the original sites.
- Googled and Googled until my Googler turned red
- Carried out all advised in - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315346
- Downloaded and installed an updated installer (WindowsInstaller-KB893803-v2-x86.exe)

I am no guru by a long shot (so please keep your replies simple ) but I can usually get myself out of trouble, but not this time.
Any ideas?

[TurcoLoco]

Hello legbiter (stay away from mine!),

The following link (even though it refers to MS Office) has much better instructions and coverage of the possible workarounds you can try (read my notes below first):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324516


~ Check the Steps 1 through 5 on that link even though I doubt it is the cause, it wouldn't hurt if you have not done so, then move to the next suggestion.

~ Start > Run > type services.msc > OK
Locate Windows Installer on the list and make sure its Startup Type is Automatic and Status shows Started. If those two are indeed what you have, move to my next suggestion.

~ I Belive you have already done the steps 6 through 11 on that link so starting with Step#12 would be the next thing which quite often fixes the problem.

~ If the problem still exists, follow the rest of the steps on that link.


~TL

[starshooter10]

you got it head on nail.....


make sure you update all of windows files to get v. 3.1