We
depend on Windows Installer to get new programs installed on our
computers. Be they games or programs, you need it. If you are having
Windows
Installer errors
when installing new programs, you will find yourself unable to
install anything.
It
doesn't matter if you are getting a “The Windows Installer service
failed to start” error or a “This update package could not be
opened” error.
The nuts
and bolts of the meaning is this: You
can't install any programs.
So what can you do about Windows Installer errors? I have a few steps
you can take to try and resolve the issue yourself. Let’s get to
them shall we?
Steps
You Can Take to Get Windows Installer Working
We're
going to start with the easiest thing you can do to get Windows
Installer working. The first step should always be to restart
Windows. Sometimes that's all that's needed. Then, if that doesn't
work, try making some room on your hard drive. If you use Windows
Disk Cleanup Tool to clean out your temporary folders and Recyclable
Bin, you may resolve the issue.
You may
also want to take time to make sure your hard drive has enough space
for the program you are installing. If neither of these fixes work,
then the best course of action is to do a System Restore. This takes
your computer's operating system and settings back to a previous date
-- hopefully one when Windows Installer was working.
To do a
System Restore follow these steps:
- Go to Start
- Go to “All Programs”
- Select “Accessories”
- Select “System Tools”
- Click on the “System Restore” icon
- Now you will have a list of dates and times. Choose one when Windows Installer was working. Don't be afraid to check the “Show more restore points” check box.
- Click “Next”
- Click “Finish.” It will ask you to confirm your restore point before it begins. Windows will have to restart to complete the process. One thing to know about this is that any programs you installed between the System Restore date and now will need to be reinstalled. This process is like taking your computer back in time.
What
if the System Restore Doesn't Work?
If the
System Restore doesn't fix your problems, you are dealing with
Windows registry
errors. Since
the registry is the core programing of Windows, any errors there can
have far reaching effects. While it's true you can repair the
registry manually I strongly advise against it. Any mistakes you make
have the possibility of turning your computer into nothing but an
expensive paper weight.
That's
why I recommend using a registry cleaner like PC
Health Boost.
It's a program designed to go into the registry, and find and repair
registry errors. It takes considerably less time to complete the
process, and it is risk free.
