How To Access Microsoft Windows Installer in Safe Mode
Summary: Microsoft Windows Installer does not run while in Safe Mode, this means that programs cannot be installed or uninstalled in safe mode without giving a specific command using msiexec using command prompt. ...
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Instructions
Affected Products:
- Dell Encryption
- Dell Data Protection | Encryption
Real mode install or uninstall is unavailable.
Warning: The next step is a Windows Registry edit:
- Back up the Registry before proceeding, reference How to Back Up and Restore the Registry in Windows
.
- Editing the Registry can cause the computer to become unresponsive on the next reboot.
- Contact Dell Data Security International Support Phone Numbers for assistance if you have concerns about performing this step.
To make Windows Installer work while in safe mode, you must create a registry entry for every type of safe mode you are logged in to.
This starts the Windows Installer Service:
- Safe Mode
- Type this in an Command Prompt (Run as Administrator):
Reg ADD "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\MSIServer" /VE /T REG_SZ /F /D "Service" net start msiserver
- Type this in an Command Prompt (Run as Administrator):
- Safe Mode with Network
- Type this in a Command Prompt (Run as Administrator):
Reg ADD "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Network\MSIServer" /VE /T REG_SZ /F /D "Service" net start msiserver
- Type this in a Command Prompt (Run as Administrator):
Affected Products
Dell EncryptionArticle Properties
Article Number: 000129428
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 11 Sep 2026
Version: 10
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