msiInstaller

Windows installer doesn't seem to be working properly. I'm running wk2 Professional, sp4. Lately I've had trouble installing programs.

The Application Event Viewer gives me a warning message Event #1015 with the message "ailed to connect to server. Error: 0x80080005 ." I also get System Events #10010 and #7023 with a message "The Windows Installer service terminated with the following error: Access is denied" and "The server {000C101C-0000-0000-C000-000000000046} did not register with DCOM within the required timeout. "

I've gone into Services and was unable to start the Windows Installer service.

Obviously something is ******* up. I'd appreciate any suggestions as to how I might correct it.

Thanks!

 

Most likely with this particular set of errors that the Windows Installer Service is disabled.

Start~Run~services.msc and OK

Double-click on the service named "Windows Installer ". Check the value in 'Startup type:' My guess is that you have it set to "Disabled ".

If so, select "Manual" from the drop-down box and change it.

 

Thanks for your prompt reply.

Unfortunately, the Startup is already set for Manual.

However, the Service Status is Stopped. When I click on Start, a window opens, it runs for a bit and then it stops and opens another window with the following message: "Could not start the Windows Installer service on Local Computer. Error 5: Access is denied. "

When I tried to start it as described above, it created in the Event Viewer System an Error in the Service Control Manager with the Event ID #7023 and the message that access is denied.

What's next (my fingers are crossed)?

 

OK. Couple of thoughts here.

First, most urgent, most major, is that the msi installer service depends on RPC service being up and running properly. RPC has been the target of several nasty virus things recently (blaster worm and some of it's cousins).

So use an online scanner and run a full virus scan. I like RAV (link in my signature).

Next is a check/fix for the possibility that you have a system file or two gone bad. Put your install CD in the drive and then start~run~sfc /scannow and OK. You won't see much but if there are bad/outdated system files, they will be replaced. Since you are running SP4, the system file checker is supposed to be smart enough to notice system files that are newer that those on the CD (from updates/hotfixes/etc.) and leave them alone.


If that doesn't fix things up, the nexe possibility that occurs to me is that maybe the service is set to run with the wrong account and that is causing a permissions problem. Double check and make sure when you go into properties for the service, it looks like these pictures. General tab and the biggie, Startup tab.

If yours matches the pictures, try creating a new account on the PC (maybe call it run-services), give it a password, and add it to the administrator group. Then set the service to run under that account rather than the default System Account.

 

This is just a brief update.

Most things were as they should be when I followed your suggestions. i did the file update check and that produced no change. Then I went into the wininstaller Logon tab and changed it to the one that allowed me to manually choose the log on. That gave me a different error message when I tried to start the winistaller. However (and computers seem to be full of inexplicable "however's ") shortly after that (including a reboot) the logon appeared back where it had been and I was able to start the service. I haven't had time this weekend to check it out by installing some programs, I hope to get to that tomorrow.

I didn't want you to think that I was ignoring your efforts so Im sending this preliminary response. I'll let you know the results definitely when I've put it to the test.

When I succeed with that (and with your help, I trust I will), then I can ask you what to do with the page file system which doesn't seem to "take." I know I read that somewhere else in you bbs, but I can't remember where. Or, maybe you can just give me the date and I can check the post.

Anway, thanks.

 

then I can ask you what to do with the page file system which doesn't seem to "take."

Happy to answer that one here but you'll need to use different words to describe what you mean because I'm really not sure what you want or what is wrong.

And thanks for the update. I assume the virus check came back clean?

 

I receive a message, either at boot-up or during operation that my Page File system is low on space and will be adjusted by the operating system -- then I am supposed to enter correct numbers. I've reset the numbers numerous times -- System Propeties > Advanced > Performance Options > Change. I enter the numbers as the Help file suggests (400 and 766 for my machine) but I keep receiving the messages that it ran out of space and will reset it. Hope that clarifies. Again, thanks.

Virus check was clean. I used an updated Norton, completed 99% after over 7 hours and I had to stop it at the point it was working on the last of an external drive I use for backup so I didn't think I cheated..

 

Several days and several activities later and I haven't had any problems with the installer service. Thanks for helping me get it fixed. Jim

 

Thanks for posting back with the update.

 

Now that income taxes are over, my life can go on.

I tried all your recomendations. I don't remember why, but I was able to go into Computer Manager, Services, Windows Installer, Properties and click start and it did start. All the screens you sent were set as you had suggested. So I paid no more attention to the issue.

Later, I found that it still would block some things and I no longer was able to go to the file properties to get Installer to start. "Could not start Windows Installer on local service. Error 5. Access denied." (I just tried it so I could copy it.) Recently I installed Turbo Tax without a hitch but when I tried to install a retail copy of Micosoft's Streets & Trips 2004 I still wasn't able to. And I can no longer start Installer from the Properties file.

Maybe, just tell me the computer hates me and I should buy an Apple machine. Phooey! I'll try a little longer.

Jim