.msi/installer help please, win 98 SE

somehow all of my .msi/windows installer files are now attempting to run using aim.exe instead of windows installer. i have no idea how to get them back to normal.

 

I've got Explorer up now, but what do I do if Installer is not on the list?

 

correct

 

Scroll down to Windows Installer Package.

Old fashioned

 

I may seem quite dense here, but...

when i highlight the msi file type on the file types list, i have three options: new type, remove, edit. i assume i click edit and that brings up a window titled 'edit file type'. i then click edit again and it asks me for an application to use for the file. i then click browse, now what do i do. i have no list of applications to 'open with', all i can do is explore the vast expanse of my computer for an installer icon that seems to be non-existant on my system. i feel the need for a dummies book right about now.

 

How about a different approach?

>Do a file find for *.msi
>when you get your list hold down the shift keyboard key and click once on an *.msi file
>from the popup, there should be an option "Open with" available. Click on it.
>from your choices look for "msiexec.exe ". Click on this and put a tick in "always use this application.
>now click on an msi file and see if it opens correctly, in windows installer, and offers to install. You should be able to cancel out of any install you clicked on for the trial run of msi re-association.

Does this help to take care of the problem?

 

the options i have for the 'open with' list are mmc, MSBACKUP, MSHTA. That's it for the m's. Could it be a possibility that I just don't have Windows Installer actually installed?

 

I got it fixed, thanks for all the help. It was located in the windows/system file instead of system32.

 

Just when i thought it was fixed... The program I'm trying to install downloads but then a box comes up saying, 'incorrect command line parameters'. No idea what that means.

 

Hi again blazerdrumline,
Before offering more advice...

Are you using or have you updated to the latest version win installer, per the link PeteC had previously given you? I believe the version number for msiexec.exe, if updated, is 2.0.2600.2.

What's the program? It may be a bug in the program with a known fix???

I also see you are dealing with a random reboot issue in another on going post. A good system check and cleanup, such as what Whiskeyman is advising (in that post), is always good advice, particularly when you are unsure exactly where the root issue is or who or what to blame. Follow up with Free On line virus scans. Use more than one. You'd be surprised that what one will miss another will find. If you come up with any positive critters found on your computer, you may wish to visit our security forums for more indepth advice, programs and help. You can always continue with the windows installer issue when you are sure you do not have more important problems to deal with.