Windows Installer re-running again and again

  • Thread starter Thread starter NormD
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NormD

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(After checking other posts, I'm trying this for an answer or hint.)

Recently reinstalled W2K after moving the hard drive to another machine
because old one died. Different processor, so W2K wouldn't boot. Install
acted like an "upgrade" to the system it found on the HDD. Install seemed to
go okay. W2K will boot. Old files in place.

However, when W2K starts I get frequent messages as a dialog box titled
"Windows Installer" and the message "Preparing to onstall..." and a cancel
button. After about a minute the box disappears. No other messages or
display from the Installer. This might happen several times after logging
in. It keeps happening over and over as I re-login as same or different
users.

When I ran Word and Excel got similar messages. Got them going. Outlook
also gives the Installer message but says it can't see the Exchange server,
although the machine does see the network fine.

I've not yet tried the Windows Installer Cleanup, and am not sure that it
addresses this problem.

Ideas? Suggestions?
 
Re: Windows Installer re-running again and again

NormD wrote:
> (After checking other posts, I'm trying this for an answer or hint.)
>
> Recently reinstalled W2K after moving the hard drive to another machine
> because old one died. Different processor, so W2K wouldn't boot. Install
> acted like an "upgrade" to the system it found on the HDD. Install seemed to
> go okay. W2K will boot. Old files in place.
>
> However, when W2K starts I get frequent messages as a dialog box titled
> "Windows Installer" and the message "Preparing to onstall..." and a cancel
> button. After about a minute the box disappears. No other messages or
> display from the Installer. This might happen several times after logging
> in. It keeps happening over and over as I re-login as same or different
> users.
>
> When I ran Word and Excel got similar messages. Got them going. Outlook
> also gives the Installer message but says it can't see the Exchange server,
> although the machine does see the network fine.
>
> I've not yet tried the Windows Installer Cleanup, and am not sure that it
> addresses this problem.
>
> Ideas? Suggestions?

There are various causes. If you have installed a 3rd party registry
cleaner that might be a cause. It's better not to use one. So uninstall
any you might have. Have a look also at this possible solution to a
registry problem.
http://www.pctools.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-18576.html

If that doesn't stop it then boot up in "safe mode" and try running
Word/Excel from there and see if you get the same problem.
 
Re: Windows Installer re-running again and again

No, no special registry cleaner. Stock W2K.

I got the problem to go away, but am not certain how. I ran the Office
setup, and one option is to "repair." Did that and it helped a lot.

I still can't get Outlook to "see" the Exchange server, but that's a
different problem.

Thanks for taking the time to write.

"Frank Booth Snr" wrote:

> NormD wrote:
> > (After checking other posts, I'm trying this for an answer or hint.)
> >
> > Recently reinstalled W2K after moving the hard drive to another machine
> > because old one died. Different processor, so W2K wouldn't boot. Install
> > acted like an "upgrade" to the system it found on the HDD. Install seemed to
> > go okay. W2K will boot. Old files in place.
> >
> > However, when W2K starts I get frequent messages as a dialog box titled
> > "Windows Installer" and the message "Preparing to onstall..." and a cancel
> > button. After about a minute the box disappears. No other messages or
> > display from the Installer. This might happen several times after logging
> > in. It keeps happening over and over as I re-login as same or different
> > users.
> >
> > When I ran Word and Excel got similar messages. Got them going. Outlook
> > also gives the Installer message but says it can't see the Exchange server,
> > although the machine does see the network fine.
> >
> > I've not yet tried the Windows Installer Cleanup, and am not sure that it
> > addresses this problem.
> >
> > Ideas? Suggestions?
>
> There are various causes. If you have installed a 3rd party registry
> cleaner that might be a cause. It's better not to use one. So uninstall
> any you might have. Have a look also at this possible solution to a
> registry problem.
> http://www.pctools.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-18576.html
>
> If that doesn't stop it then boot up in "safe mode" and try running
> Word/Excel from there and see if you get the same problem.
>
 
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