I, TOO, AM GETTING AN ERROR CODE THAT SAYS " THE WINDOWS INSTALLER SERVICE COULD NOT BE ACCESSED. THIS CAN OCCUR IF YOU ARE RUNNING WINDOWS IN SAFE MODE (DON'T THINK I AM), OR IF THE WINDOWS INSTALLER IS NOT CORRECTLY INSTALLED." OK, I LOOKED IN THE ADD/REMOVE WINDOW, WINDOWS INSTALLER 3.1 IS LISTED, BUT THEIR IS NO INFORMATION OVER ON THE RIGHT. WHEN YOU HIGHLIGHT IT, IT DOES NOT SAY 'REPAIR, REMOVE OR CHANGE". I DOWNLOADED SEVERAL TIMES FROM THE MICROSOFT SITE A WINDOWS INSTALLER 3 DISTR. UPDATE, BUT CAN'T GET IT TO INSTALL. I'VE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. I ALSO CAN'T OPEN MICROSOFT EXCEL, FROM ANYWHERE! I NEED TO GET IT BACK SO I CAN PRACTICE EXCEL SKILLS FOR JOB HUNTING! CAN ANYONE PLEASE GIVE ME SOME HELP? I CAN'T BE THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS MUCH...TROUBLE.
If that does not resolve the problem, click start, run, type services.msc, click OK
In the window that opens, scroll down to Windows Installer, check that under startup type it is set to manual. If it is set to disabled, double click on it to open its properties page and in the startup type drop down box select manual, click apply OK. You can check if the service will start by clicking start. If that produces an error message, post back.
PS please do not use all caps; it is difficult to read and is considered to be shouting, which offends some people.
Message Edited by JRosenfeld on 10-04-2006 04:59 PM
I am sorry I've not responded before now. I've tried to adjust the windows registry, but it didn't fix my problem. Is there a way to set the registry back to the default? Will that mess up other programs?
I downloaded the installer update serveral times, but it will NOT open, gives me the same message about the windows installer. Even if I tried to re-install Excel from Microsoft Office disk, would it install or would I most likely get the same message? I checked my Add/Remove list, it doesn't show installer as being in the files.
Not sure what you mean by adjusting the windows registry? To restore the registry to what it was at an earlier date, use sytem restore applet in system tools folder, select restore to an earlier time, click next, pick a restore point at a date before you adjusted the registry (or before you had problems with Windows installer), click next, and let it restore (your PC will restart, then follow the instructions).
Did you check in services.msc whether Windows installer is set to manual and whether you can start it there?
If the Windows installer is broken, I don't think you will be able to install or uninstall any app that uses it. That includes most software.
Yes! I got it fixed! I downloaded some registry repair software and repaired over 600 errors, and then I checked the links you sent me. I am now able to open my Excel again, and I'm not getting the windows installer message anymore (so far!).
Thank you so much for your help, I'd already tried doing system restore multiple times before even posting on the Dell forum, and I did try the previous things you'd suggested. The problem seems to be fixed now. Thanks again for your help!
I have the same problem as you had. Other trouble shooting thru Microsoft eventually advised me to reinstall XP. This would have consequences in removing data from my machine. Haven't done that yet. I would like to know where you got the registry repair software?
I have the same problem except it only seems to happen when i try to install java.. for some reason with my vista.. and my harddrive and everything was just shipped to me with all factory installed etc.. it uses stand alone windows installer..
java is only program giving me any hell though.... and when i go to services.. windows install doesn't show up.... any help ideas? im not willing to reinstall everything.......
For the issue where we get the error message ‘Windows installer service could not be accessed’ (Win Vista and Win 7) or the Windows installer service is missing from service list, please follow the following troubleshooting steps:
Open notepad on the customer’s system. Copy the following text into notepad:
Once the text is pasted, save the file on the desktop and save it with a .reg extension. Make sure that ‘All Files’ option is selected under the Save as Type box.
Open Registry Editor with Admin access.
Select the Import option and import the file saved on the desktop. Once the file is successfully imported to the registry, restart the computer.
JRosenfeld
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Posted October 4th, 2006 14:00
Message Edited by JRosenfeld on 10-04-2006 04:59 PM