Computer Question re: Windows Installer (I think)

[Snoopers-868th]

I have rebooted, reformatted and I am signed on. LOL

I seem to have an issue with OmniPage 15 Pro. My system is XP-Pro, lots of memory, lots of hard-drive.

I had installed some time ago OmniPage and had some problems with it and uninstalled it. A few weeks ago I reinstalled it but I cannot get the Service Pack update to it. I get the following message:

"This patch package could not be opened. Verify that this patch package exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid Windows Installer patch package."

I contacted OmniPage and was put through several do this and do that type of things but none worked. Then I was told to download a particular windows installer package. I did that and received the same message, it did not work. I uninstalled for the 5th time the software and did some research. This is what I believe I found but I am not sure.

If you go to the link below and read what is under Method 2 I think that explains it. My windows installer version is 3.1.4000.2435. This appears to be the reason why I cannot download the Service Pack. I surmize it is attempting to change a Windows Protected File and my Installer is doing as it is suppose to do. Here is the link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/898628

Apparently, there is something in the Service Pack that Windows Installer is rejecting.

I am now being asked to establish a new user. What on earth would that do since I have never established a user and have administrative rights? I am hesitant to do as these tech folks want because if they mess up my computer it is pretty easy for them to say it is not our program but your computer.

[Snoopers-868th]

Thank you so much for bearing with me. I am sure this is a problem with OmniPage and the MS protection system. I did discover that there are issues with the windows installer but it is not something that I installed. It would be a change via update. I think my best bet is still OmniPage as it will be 3rd party companies that will demand and get attention for MS to fix any installer problem, if it is in fact an MS problem. Your suggestion is a good one. Thanks again.

[neb52]

Is the Windows Installer Service started in the Services? If not check this MS White Paper.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324516

[Snoopers-868th]

I have read your post and the white paper at the link. In my services it does not show Windows Installer as "Started" (it is blank) but it shows it's "status" as "manual." I guess I don't understand your post because I am not having a problem loading Office. It is already loaded and accessible. My problem is not with loading a program as I can load the OmniPage program just fine. I cannot download the Service Pack update. I get the following message:

"This patch package could not be opened. Verify that the patch package exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid Windows Installer patch package."

I have the latest version of the Windows Installer that was suppose to have fixed any Installer problems. Version 3.1.4000.2435. I did not download this installer it must have been supplied via an update. If you look at this page http://support.microsoft.com/kb/898628/ and at Method 2, I really don't believe I have any installer problem but rather an authentication issue regarding OmniPage's update and MicroSoft.

I am interested in your thoughts.

[neb52]

Disregard the Office portion of the White Paper I posted and read starting the solution portion concerning reregistering the Windows Installer Service. If that doesn't work than you will need to follow the next solution, which is to reinstall the Windows Installer Service. It will be confusing since you are running a newer version then what comes as default(version 2) with XP Pro. Your WIS should be started and in Automatic mode. Evidently something is keeping it from starting up and most likely it is corrupted.

[Snoopers-868th]

I hope you are on-line. I tried a restore to my earliest point and it did nothing. I have via search the msiexec.exe file in the Windows 32 file as it belongs BUT I also have a file called C:\Windows\Prefetch\MSIEXEC.EXE-2F848CAE.pf dated 12/26/06 This must be the patch that updated the Windows installer. Do I do anything with that? I have never worked in the registery files and I am really nervous about it. I have crashed my system before and it has cost me $450 to get it fixed. I need some assurance. I suspect I will have to reinstall Windows rather than reregister it but I will go through all steps. You are positive that Windows Installer is suppose to be running? I do not hold you responsible for anything but I am taking your word for it. Have you ever done this? Are you a techy? Please don't be offended.

[neb52]

I am incorrect concerning WIS needing to auto start, but I do feel that WIS not working is the root of your problem. Its hard to be 100% for sure without sitting in front of the problem workstation.

I wouldn't do anything directly in the registry either. Yes I have re-registered the WIS before and in fact did it last Thursday. (knock on wood) I have yet to have any issues after doing so. As always make sure you backup your data.

You only need to deal with the msiexec.exe file in C:\Windows\system32. Follow the instructions in the White paper to the "T". Yes I am a Techie, but as with all things I even back data up first since things can go in the opposite direction then what they should. If you are not comfortable with this solution then by all means don't do it. I want be offended in anyway. I would suggest that you find a Techie locally and have them look at it.

[Snoopers-868th]

Well, I put my Windows CD in my computer and in the tools folder I found something related to Windows INStaller and it is now running. I am going to try to reinstall and see what happens. I will let you know. thanks a bunch for your honesty.

[Snoopers-868th]

Well, I rebooted and it is now Stopped. What does reregistering it do?

[Snoopers-868th]

And the Omnipage would not install the service pack update to the program. Still got the same message.

[neb52]

Here is a solution I found on the web with people getting the same error message. Have you seen this?

You have to edit the Registry, and delete "PATCHES" 1. Regedit 2. click on Registry - Export and export the whole registry. 3. click on the Computer on the top so it searches the whole registry 4. Click Edit - Find and type in PATCHES ---- make sure you only look for KEYS 5. Rename all folders called patches to patchesold 6. press enter and F3 to continue searching. 7. NOTE: DO NOT RENAME APPPATCHES files. Don’t touch them. 8. when done renaming the folders, install office 2000.

[Snoopers-868th]

Can you send me the link you found? How do I identify patches? Thanks

[neb52]

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winme/t1031948579