How to get rid of unwanted MSI file

Folks, I've a problem. While exploring folders on my HP machine, I found one called PCI and opened it. Not a clue existed within it as to its purpose or content. Unwisely, I tried the executable file to see what happened. Then I found it was a part of Norton Antivirus 2005 that wanted to install itself once again on Word 2003 when it opens. Of course, the program is already installed and it is trying to install itself on top of itself. (perhaps this is a quantum dilemma? )

I how have a situation where the Norton Antivirus 2005 installation file has attached itself somehow to the startup process of Word 2003. Three times in a row, it will state it is installing Norton Antivirus, then complain it can't find the MSI file, leading me to hit CANCEL, leading to try again to install...but after 3 times it gives up.

I can't find this pesky installation file. I think it may have attached itself to the startup DOT file. I looked for any MSI file related to NAV but there are hundreds on this machine. Besides, the install program is looking for it so it doesn't know where it is either!

This is one reason I hate to buy a machine with preinstalled software, but price and convenience often override my common sense.

OK, anyone out there got any ideas where to start?

 

Hi Christer, and thanks for the kind word. (Nice Schweizer S-2?).

The first window that comes up when I try to open Word (and other programs including some web apps) is a labled across the top:

Norton Antivirus 2005

The message in the window is:

Please wait while Windows configures Norton Antivirus 2005

In a second the second popup window appears labeled: Setup

The message in the window is: This MSI must be launched through Setup

There is CANCEL button on this window.

When cancelled the process repeats a total of three times (kaballah or something about three?). Then the application opens.

This is very strange.

I cannot find the folder I began with. This is also strange. A windows explorer search does not reveal any folder labeled PCI, which I distinctly remember opening to start this mess. My spyware and antiviral agents don't report any Trojan Horses, so I don't think that's it.

Call me puzzeled.

 

Hello Iatros,

Try MS's Windows Installer Cleanup utility.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301

Regards - Charles

 

I have checked the registry and can find nothing suspicious. I have run Registry Cleaner and it finds nothing. I have looked for MSI files but there are many on this machine, and I do not know the culprit. I hestitate to delete these kinds of files without clear knowledge of their role in the programs that I use.

I do think the registry holds the key, because I found that the same problems occurs in other programs besides Word.

I'll snoop around and let you know.

Thanks

 

My friend had the same problem with norton anti virus, to him this happened after the computer had crashed a few times and when the disks were checked for integrity and what not when the computer was starting up. But I think this is what he used to help him with 'windows installer cleanup'

Workaround

Follow the below steps to install the Cleanup utility package and remove all earlier versions of Norton AntiVirus or Norton AntiVirus Professional from the user’s system:

1. The Clean Up utility package is available for download at:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/9/D/E9D80355-7AB4-45B8-80E8-983A48D5E1BD/msicuu2.exe

2. Click Save to download msicuu2.exe file and save it to the desktop.
3. Double click the file’s icon on the desktop. A setup wizard opens. Follow the steps in the wizard to install the utility.
4. Click Start -> Programs -> Windows Install Clean Up to execute the application.
5. All software applications installed on your system with the help of Windows Installer will be displayed.
6. Hold Ctrl key and select all entries in the list that begin with:

CC

cc

Norton

Symantec

Sym

MSRedist

7. Click Remove.
8. Restart the system after the cleanup is done.
9. Rename the folder Symantec shared (C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared) to Old Symantec shared.

Once the above steps are done, WinAntiVirus 2005 can be installed on your computer.

If the problem persists, mail Customer Support for further assistance.






This article applies to:

WinAntiVirus - All versions.

Hopefully this works , it was from
http://kb.winantivirus.com/index.php?do=view_question&id=37

charlie evans

 

Hello Charlie and welcome to the Board

I would recomend the use of this tool Windows Installer Cleanup utility, more transparent and easier to use.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301

Regards - Charles

 

Charles,

We have JOY!

This was the solution. I did indeed link, download, and run the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility. I singled out Norton Antivirus 2005 and allowed the program to uninstall the 'installer' software, then checked. The pesky error windows were gone when I opened Microsoft Word and Excel, and my Norton Internet Suite worked just fine (I did an LiveUpdate to be sure the NAV worked as before).

The MICU program is a well kept Microsoft secret that should be much better known. The Installer, like so many 'automatic' programs, can be a real PIA at times. I would like to know why the installer played so dumb and did not check to see if the NAV was already installed then stopped when it found it.

As to experience level, I am more experienced than many of my friends, but that is always a relative term. There was no place on the BBS signup to list 'Not experienced enough', which would be my preferred experience level. I learn something everyday.

Many thanks to the kind members of the BBS for good advice on a pesky problem.

 

Charlie,

Thanks. See my reply to the other Charles. The WICU program did it without having to go through the steps above (thank goodness). All seems well now.

Regards,

 

Hi Charlie,

Delighted that the problem is resolved and thank you for posting back.

Regards - Charles