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HP Media Center m7270.fr Desktop PC Troubleshooting

Error: The Windows Installer service failed to start.

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This document pertains to HP and Compaq desktop PCs with Windows XP.
One of the following errors occurs when attempting to install a software application using Windows installer:
  • The software application does not install.
  • One of the following error messages appears on the screen:
    • The Windows Installer service could not be accessed. Contact your support personnel to verify that the Windows Installer service is properly registered.
    • The Windows Installer service failed to start. Contact your support personnel.
    • Internal Error
    These errors may occur if one or more of the Windows Installer files are missing or damaged

Resolving the error

To resolve the error, use the following steps:

Step 1 - Reregister Windows Installer

  1. Exit all open programs.
  2. Click Start , Run , type msiexec /unregister in the Open box, and click OK .
  3. Click Start , Run , type msiexec /regserver in the Open box, and click OK .
  4. Restart the computer and try to install the software application again.
    If the error still occurs, continue to the next Step.

Step 2 - Remove and replace Windows Installer files

  1. Exit all open programs.
  2. Click Start , Run , type msiexec /unregister in the Open box, and click OK .
  3. Open Windows Explorer and rename the following files in the C:\Windows\System32 folder:
    • Msi.dll (rename to Msi_old.dll)
    • Msihnd.dll (rename to Msihnd_old.dll)
    • Msiexec.exe (rename to Msiexec_old.exe)
  4. Restart the PC and try to install the software application again.
    If the error still occurs, continue to the next Step.

Step 3 - Restart Windows XP in Safe Mode

  1. Restart your PC.
    After the first screen appears, press F8 and select Safe Mode .
  2. Go to Resolution 1 and follow the steps in Safe Mode.
  3. If the problem still exists follow the steps in Resolution 2 in Safe Mode.

Related support

Microsoft support article 884016, Windows Installer 3.0 is available (in English).
Microsoft support article 316434, How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP (in English).
NOTE:One or more of the links above will take you outside the Hewlett-Packard Web site. HP does not control and is not responsible for information outside the HP Web site.