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Problem with Windows Installer--Can anyone help?

 
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:57 pm    Post subject: Problem with Windows Installer--Can anyone help? Reply with quote

Alright, well it all started when 2 days ago I loaded up my iTunes and got this message:

The software required for communicating with the iPod is not installed correctly. Please reinstall iTunes to install the iPod's software.

I thought, "Ok, no problem, I'll just reinstall iTunes."

So I went to install it, and when I double clicked the installer, Windows Installer pops up. After ~30 seconds, it times out (I guess?) and gives me this message:

The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. This can occur if you are running Windows in safe mode, or if the Windows Installer is not correctly installed. Contact your support personnel for assistance.

So I went to the Microsoft support page, and sure enough, they had a FAQ for this exact problem! So, they listed 2 methods, 1 of them being something to do with the registry, and since I didn't want to screw up and force a reinstall of everything, I tried the second method. It was to reinstall Windows Installer. Brilliant, seems very easy, right? WRONG. I reinstalled it, and I still have the same problem. I followed the directions WORD-FOR-WORD, so I know I didn't mess up.

Does anyone know a way to fix this without messing with registry?


Btw, here is the help page link if you need it:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315346

Thanks in advance Very Happy
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{uZa}CrazySpinner
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 10:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Don't be afraid to mess with the registry, they give you the scare tactic because if you do the wrong item it can mess thing up. But as long as you're careful and back things up, you should be fine. The steps for the 1st option seem simple enough and shouldn't cause you to need a total system install. I've been in the registry enough times, and knock on wood, haven't needed to do a reinstall. Give it a try, take your time and Good Luck.
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{uZa}Capt.Spamada
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Itunes, yuk, use Anapod.
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{uZa}Renegade
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try a system restore to the point before you installed I toons ?
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You could also try running checkdisc it could attempt to fix it also.
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

If windows can't run installer because the service isn't running, try this:

Start/Run then type in Services.msc

scroll down to Windows Installer

right click on it, select properties

set it for automatic

exit services

reboot computer
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

{uZa}renegade wrote:
Try a system restore to the point before you installed I toons ?


Thing is, iTunes was installed when iTunes was first released (I got my iPod on launch day) and would have to re-download a ton of stuff, and I don't really want to do that... Sad

HiTechRedneck, I'll try what you said and will edit this post with the results.

Crazy Spinner, if Redneck's idea doesn't work, I'll go through the registry to fix it.

And Canada, I prefer to stick with product-specific software. But tbh, if I can't use Windows Installer, how do you expect me to install Anapod? Wink

I'll edit with all the result in a little bit!


EDIT: YEYEYEYEY!!!! Redneck, I thank you so much, your solution solved my problem immediately! I cannot thank you enough.

Just curious, are there any drawbacks to having it set to Automatic? It was originally set to Manual, so just wondering if there is anything I should be careful of.
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I keep mine set to automatic... The only potential problem would be if you participate in file sharing sites, or instant messaging... Those open backdoors to your computer that any program can enter, including self installers... Since I don't do either, it's not really an issue...
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I see...

Well, I use MSN Messenger alot, but people can't send you a file without you accepting it, and it's only people I know, so does that pose a problem?

And what do you mean by file sharing sites? Like FilePlanet and such? Or like Limewire/torrent sites?
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 12:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Torrent sites... And there are backdoors in MSMessenger, but a good firewall tends to keep them pretty well closed up... And always keep the firewall and virus software up to date... I use both a hardware firewall and a software one...
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Which firewalls do you recommend for keeping out backdoors?
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Zone Alarm has always been the best hands down. They have a free version too although the pro version is better.
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I use a Linksys router/firewall on the hardware side, and Zone Alarm on the software side...
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a router firewall, just need to go download Zone Alarm.

Thanks for the help, guys!
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 12:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

No problem...
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