Re: safe mode
Because your problem's being caused by the second possibility in that error:
There may be an issue with Windows Installer.
Since you cannot execute the usual resolution (i.e., downloading/installing
the latest version of Windows Installer), I suspect you have a hijackware
issue.
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.
Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(
http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**
If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.
Good luck!
--
~PA Bear
Kyle wrote:
> if i'm not in safe mode then how come I keep getting that message about
> being in safe mode when I try to remove a program?
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>> I don't think you're in Safe Mode, though the machine may act like it.
>> (If
>> you're posting to this newsgroup using the machine, you're not in
>> SafeMode.)
>>
>> Did this behavior start immediately after you installed WinXP SP3?
>>
>> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
>> anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
>> firewall
>> (if any)? Were any of these applications running in the background when
>> you installed WinXP SP3?
>>
>> How did you delete "all other sp's"?
>> --
>> ~PA Bear
>>
>> Kyle wrote:
>>> I have sp3 I deleted all other sp's and I'm in normal mode but my
>>> computer
>>> thinks i'm in safe mode thats why I can't get rid of programs.
>>>
>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>>> Always state your full Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3) when posting
>>>> to
>>>> this newsgroup, please.
>>>>
>>>> Can you reboot into normal (Windows) mode?
>>>> --
>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>>>
>>>> Kyle wrote:
>>>>> I don't know why but some how i'm in safe mode I can use all the
>>>>> featurs
>>>>> that arn't usable in safe mode but when i tried to remove a program i
>>>>> got
>>>>> this message The windows installer serivce could not be accessed. This
>>>>> can
>>>>> occur if your running windows in safe mode, or if the windows
>>>>> installer
>>>>> is [not] correctly installed.