I recently upgraded my computer and I did not remove Nortons Systemworks before the upgrade, so it caused a lot of problems. I finally managed to remove Norton Systemworks from my computer, but now the Windows Installer is failing when I try to remove some programs or even do a Microsoft update. I get the Access is Denied message. I tried installing the Windows Installer 3.1 (V2) and it appears that my computer took it ok. But when I try removing programs on it or updating my computer through Microsoft, I get the same problem. Basically, I think that perhaps my Windows Installer is corrupt or damaged in a way that maybe reinstalling isn't helping (I get the "access is denied" message). Is there some way around this or maybe changing the permissions? Appreciate any help or suggestions.

Did you check in services to see if it is set to automatic?

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Sorry, could you explain how to do that? Thanks.

Best explanation of services I have found.

http://www.dead-eye.net/WinXP%20Ser...

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I went to the msconfig and under services, Windows installer has a check mark on it. I unchecked it, hit ok. Then I went back to it and checked it, hit ok again. Rebooted, problem is still there.

Thanks for the link, I tried that and it says manual. Should it be automatic??

I have had to set it at automatic sometimes.Set it to auto and then start it-upper left corner.

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I tried that when I hit start, I get error 997: Overlap I/O operation is in progress

It may be corrupt. Go here and d/l and reinstall.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...

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Microsoft also offers a little "Installer cleanup" program. I ran it when I had problems with Windows installer and it fixed it right up!

Download it here:

Installer cleanup

Musky
If the voices inside my head paid rent, I'd be rich!

Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal

I forgot about that. Good catch Musky.

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I got the cleanup utility. Problem is that when I try to run it, it cannot access the Windows Installer. Looks like a catch 22.

Sounds like you installer is corrupt.

You definitely need to download the new installer package at per's link.

Musky
If the voices inside my head paid rent, I'd be rich!

Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal

I downloaded the Windows Installer 3.1 (V2) and installed and appears to work. But then if I try to remove a program, I will still get the "Error 1719 message: The Windows installer service could not be accessed....." I tried to use the Windows installer cleanup utility, but it cannot perform because it cannot access the windows installer.

Try the safe mode.

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Just more info:
If I type into the run box: msiexec /regserver to unregister and hit ok, appears it takes it.
Then afterwards, if I type msiexec /unregister, hit ok, I receive this error:
An event was unable to invoke any of the subscribers

Tried doing it in safe mode, but I get the message that Windows Installer cannot be accessed in Safe Mode.

You can try SFC /SCANNOW from the run menu. You will need the XP cd. It should replace/repair any missing or damaged files.

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I tried it and pretty much upgraded the unit again through the install process. On the very first update from Microsoft, it tried to download the Windows Installer and failed. I tried the V3.1 version I got and it appeared to take it. But it still has the same problem whenever I try to download any updates from Microsoft and still has issues with the installer. I'm wondering if my only option left is to format the whole HD and start from scratch. Hate to come down to that if there's another way out.

Try here.
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.c...

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I tried looking at the site, but I can't seem to find a link that addresses failure due to this issue.

Don't want to make this any harder than it already is, but I'm wondering if there was still something lingering from Norton systemworks causing this. Although I was able to use the Norton removal tool and got everything I was able to see deleted from the system previously. I'm currently unable to use it again because it cannot start up the active x controls anymore.

Make sure your firewall is not blocking the Update site and check any pop up stopper
programs. Now check in IE tools\manage add-ons (Win XP SP2 only) making sure that
WuWebControlClass is enabled. You may also wish to check c:\windows\Downloaded
Program Files to see if anything is corrupted there.

If the above appears to be in order, try re-registering these files, by clicking
Start, Run and typing:-

REGSVR32 C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuapi.dll
REGSVR32 C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuaueng.dll
REGSVR32 C:\WINDOWS\system32\atl.dll
REGSVR32 C:\WINDOWS\system32\wucltui.dll
REGSVR32 C:\WINDOWS\system32\wups.dll

You should receive a successful message after each one.

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Also go to windows/software distribution and delete every thing it will let you and reboot. XP will replace it all on the next update.

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Thanks for the help. It didn't quite work. I just ended up reformatting the drive after backing up some important files. Obviously, that got rid the problem and although it took some time, at least I finally got it working again after a fresh install. I appreciate everybody's help.