How do I fix Windows unable to install?
SymptomsWhen you install, uninstall, or update a program on a Windows-based computer, you may receive one of the following error messages. Show Error message 1The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. Error message 2Windows Installer Service couldn't be started. Error message 3Could not start the Windows Installer service on Local Computer. Error 5: Access is denied. ResolutionTo fix this problem automatically, run the "Fix problems that programs cannot be installed or uninstalled" troubleshooter to repair issues that block program installation or removal because of corrupted registry keys. Important To perform many of the methods and steps in this article, you must be logged on to your computer as an administrator. To determine whether you're using an account that has administrator rightsTo determine whether you're using an account that has administrator rights, use one of the following methods, as appropriate for the operating system that you're running. Windows 7 and Windows Vista
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
After you've verified that you're logged on to your computer as an administrator, you can start troubleshooting Windows Installer issues. If the Windows Installer engine is corrupted, disabled, or installed incorrectly, this may cause program installation issues. Use the following methods to identify any Windows Installer issues that may be causing problems when you install, uninstall, or update programs. Method 1: Determine whether the Windows Installer engine is working
Method 2: Make sure that the Windows Installer service is not set to Disabled
Method 3: Check your version of Windows Installer, and upgrade to the latest version if necessaryImportant This method applies to Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, and Windows Server 2008 only.
Method 4: Reregister the installer engineImportant This method applies to Windows XP and to Windows Server 2000 only.
The installation or update method doesn't run to completion There are several methods that can be used to install, to uninstall, or to update a program. Additionally, the method or methods that are used may not have started or completed successfully. In this situation, try some other method to install, or to update the program. The following are common methods that are used to install software:
The installation media is unreadable Installation media such as CD and DVD media may be dirty or scratched and therefore be unreadable by the CD or DVD reader. To resolve this issue, follow these methods: Method 1: Clean the CD or DVDTo do this, use a CD or DVD disc-cleaning kit. Or, use a soft, lint-free cotton cloth to gently wipe the silver side of the disc. Do not use paper cloth, as this can scratch the plastic or leave streaks. When you clean the disc, wipe from the center of the disc outward. Do not use a circular motion. If the problem continues to occur, clean the disc by using a damp cloth or a commercial CD or DVD disc-cleaning solution. Dry the disc thoroughly before you insert it into the drive. Method 2: Copy the installation files to your computer or to other removable mediaWhen you do this, note the location, and then run the installer from that location. The installation file is typically named Autorun.exe or Setup.exe, but this may vary. If you're not sure, check the Readme file in the folder for instructions about how to run the installation process. If an executable file (.exe) is available, we do not recommend that you run .msi files directly without specific instructions from the vendor. Note If multiple CDs or DVDs are required, we recommend that you copy all the disks to the same folder, in reverse order (higher disk numbers first). Be prepared to approve the overwriting of existing files if you are prompted, and then install from that location. Method 3: Obtain a fresh version of the installation packageIf you tried to install from a CD or DVD, do the following:
Downloaded or copied installation files are corrupted Method 1: Copy the installation files to your computerCopy the installation files to a local hard disk on your computer or to other removable media. Note the location, and then run the installation from that location. The installation file is typically named Autorun.exe or Setup.exe, but this may vary. If you're not sure, check the Readme file in the folder for instructions about how to run the installation. If an executable file (.exe) is available, we do not recommend that you run .msi files directly without specific instructions from the vendor.
Method 2: Obtain a fresh version of the installation packageIf some time has elapsed between when you downloaded the package and when you tried to install it, do the following:
Programs that are currently running on your computer are interfering with the installation process Disable programs that might be interfering with the installation process. To do this, follow these steps:
For more information about how to use MSConfig, see How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista. There are typically several ways to remove any program. In this situation, try some other method to remove the program. The following are common methods that are used to install software: Method 1: Use the uninstall option (if available)
Method 2: Use Control Panel options
Note The following steps are appropriate for advanced users only. Make sure that you don't have any file or folder names that are longer than 260 characters. For more about the maximum path length limitation, see Naming files, paths, and namespaces. Most programs create an installation log. If you can't locate such a log, you can enable verbose MSI logging. For more information, see How to enable Windows Installer logging. Note If you're running the .msi log file without the bootstrapping application (.exe), you can add parameters for verbose logging. For example, you can run the following command: Msiexec path\your_msi.msi /L*v path\your_msi_log.txt For a list of msiexec command-line parameters, see Command-line options. A failed installation typically logs "Return Value 3" where the problem occurred and where the installation rollback began. The description of the failure appears immediately before the Return Value 3 log entry. You can use the Wilogutl.exe tool to analyze log files from a Windows Installer installation. This tool may suggest solutions to errors that are found in a log file. It is available in the latest Windows Software Development Kit. The following is an example of how to use the Wilogutl.exe tool at a command line: wilogutl /q /l c:\mymsilog.log /o c\outputdir\ You may be able to manually uninstall some parts of the program through the Windows interface. For example, you may be able to delete program files and folders. Because the steps to do this may differ widely, depending on the version of Windows that you're running and on the program that you're trying to uninstall, no prescriptive steps are provided here. If you're not sufficiently familiar with the program that you're trying to uninstall to positively identify the files and folders for that program, we do not recommend that you try this method. Generally, when you begin to delete program files and folders, you run the risk of damaging your operating system. Use this method at your own risk. If you are considering uninstalling the program manually, be aware of the following:
More Information For general information about how to install or to uninstall a program, see the following: Install a program Uninstall or change a program Installing programs: frequently asked questions |