Windows Installer Error Message #1706

Question

I have a Dell DIM3000, Model DMZ...just recently I keep getting this message each time I boot my computer: 'Windows Installer Scan.' Then a window comes up telling me to insert disk. There is no disk for this, and then I get - 'No valid source could be found for product scan. Error 1706.' By pressing Alt/Ctrl/Del, I can take care of it and everything works okay. What is my problem and how do I fix it? Thank you for your help.

dunedin · Answer

I think this is a Windows Installer problem. Sometimes it gets corrupted and you get an error message like that at bootup.

Try these

Go to Start/Run and type in:
msiexec /unregister
OK

Then Start/Run and type in:
msiexec /regserver
OK

OR

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Line 94 left hand side

Click on "Windows Installer Fix"
Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt

RoHe · Answer

And if that doesn't fix it, try the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, free from Microsoft. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301 Ron

Rader4800 · Answer

I would like to thank both replies for the information they supplied. I have followed both instruction to no avail. Even downloaded Windows Installer from Microsoft again, however, now it tells me there is no file applicable to the application...so I GIVE UP!!!!

Again thank you for you help.

dunedin · Answer

'there is no file applicable to the application' What application is this?

Rader4800 · Answer

Thank you for your response, but I have no idea what application they are talking about. I downloaded Windows Installer and its not working. I am at a loss, and don't know enough about computers to handle the problem. I will call Software Tech and see if they can help.

Once again thank you for your help.

dunedin · Answer

I have a suspicion what that message means.

Try this
Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/File Types.
Scroll down and look for (on the left hand side)
MSI
It should have "Windows Installer Package" next to it (to open it)

Rader4800 · Answer

WTG dunedin - I found everything just as you suggested. However, in the meantime I spent 4 1/2 hours on the phone with Dell Software Support and Dell Hardware Support, they finally got it fixed for me, which left me quite confused.

Next time this happens (and I hope it never does, I will do as you suggest...by the way, just below the line your suggested there is also a line with Installer Patch, which might help someone else.} Now, all if need is a Doctor to remove the embedded phone in my ear.

Thanks again for all your help and all the others who helped me.

RoHe · Answer

Dunedin,
Leave the OP alone! 4 1/2 hours on the phone is enough torture on those poor ears. You just have to remember, there's a simple way and there's the MS way, as translated by Dell in who-knows-where-land... ;)

Ron

dunedin · Answer

I`m glad you got it fixed, but it took them 4 1/2 hours :smileysad:   Don`t want to prolong your agony,  but could you please tell me how they fixed it. I thought it was a file association problem, but I have not come across this before. How did the Installer patch figure in all of this?  Thanks   To fix your other problem follow these instructions, but first bear in mind that I fix computers, not ears. Go into kitchen Open cutlery drawer and pick up a fork Insert fork into ear and dig out phone Then visit ER to fix ear :smileyhappy:

Rader4800 · Answer

Thank you dunedin and RoHe for the funny responses. I opened a cold Pepsi....made a sandwich...husband kissed ear and made it all better, and then I sat & made faces at the computer while eating sandwich.

If I can remember correctly, they (whomever they are) went to msconfig., unchecked so many things I could not keep tract (and have not gone back in to see what has been unchecked), I rebooted the "Blasted" Computer and the problem had gone away!!!...So I drank the Pepsi to that one.

Only looked at your suggestion dunedin, did not touch anything for fear I would be back at block 1, just looked and came out.

Thanks still again to both of you for your help !!!!

Issy

dunedin · Answer

Ron Isn`t that just right! :smileyhappy:   It does look like this fix came a LONNNNG way round via India. The only surprising thing to me is that they actually fixed it.

dunedin · Answer

Issy   Ah well. All`s well that ends well, as they say. Now that it`s 'not broke' don`t fix it. :smileyhappy:   Thanks for letting us know.

dunedin · Answer

iptaylor   Could you please give us information on your specific problem.   It is a Windows Installer problem. When does it happen? Are you trying to install something at the time or does it just pop up? Are you getting an error message? Any other relevant information

iptaylor · Answer

RoHe and dunedin,

Here's something that actually works! Go to http://forums.vnunet.com/message.jspa?messageID=652486 and scroll to:

david cullingford

Posts: 28
Registered: 24/02/06 Re: uninstalling Corel Photo Album leaves my PC asking to reinstall it.
Posted: 17-Sep-2006 01:01

in response to: exodus

Follow the great 7-step instructions given there exactly as written. It's easy and IT WORKS!!!

M

Message Edited by iptaylor on 10-15-2007 02:42 PM

Message Edited by iptaylor on 10-15-2007 02:43 PM

Message Edited by iptaylor on 10-15-2007 02:44 PM

iptaylor · Answer

dunedin, Thanks for your swift reply! If you'll look at the message just above yours, you'll see that the msg you responded to was edited (after you saw it) to show the fix that worked. I hope it helps you help others with this annoying problem. M

Windows General

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