How to troubleshoot problems when you install or uninstall programs on a Windows-based computer ??

Fix the problem manually

To resolve these kinds of issues, follow the steps listed below:

important : you can follow Microsoft KB article : http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2438651#reso2

Windows Installer issues

The Windows Installer Engine could be corrupted, installed incorrectly, or disabled. This may cause installation issues.

Note The Windows Installer Engine manages the installation of software, manages the additions and deletions of software components, monitors file resiliency, and maintains basic failure recovery by using rollbacks.

Use these methods to identify any Microsoft Installer issues that may be causing problems when you install, uninstall, or update programs. Start with method 1, follow the steps in that method, and then go to the next method if your issue is not resolved.

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Method 1: Determine whether the Windows Installer engine is functioning

1. Click Start
   
   , type cmd in the Search box or click Run then type cmd in the dialog (Windows XP or Windows Server 2003), and then press Enter to open a Command Prompt window.
2. At the command prompt, type MSIExec, and then press Enter.
3. If the MSI engine is working, there should be no error messages. If you receive an error message, note the error. If you are proficient in how to use search engines, you can use the error message to help locate additional content to troubleshoot the issue.
4. Try to install or to uninstall again.

If the problem persists, go to method 2.

Method 2: Make sure that the Windows Installer service is not set to Disabled

1. Click Start
   
   , type services.msc in the Search box or click Run then type services.msc in the dialog (Windows XP or Windows Server 2003), and then press Enter to open Services.
2. Right-click the Windows Installer service, and then click Properties.
3. If the Startup type box is set to Disabled, change it to Manual.
4. Click OK to close the Properties window.
5. Right-click the Windows Installer service, and then click Start. The service should start without errors.
6. Try to install or to uninstall again.

If the problem persists, go to method 3.

Method 3: Check your version of Windows Installer, and upgrade to the latest version if it is needed

Important This method applies to Windows XP, to Windows Vista, to Windows Server 2003, to Windows Server 2003 R2, and to Windows Server 2008 only.

1. Click Start
   
   , type cmd in the Search box or click Run then type services.msc in the dialog (Windows XP or Windows Server 2003), and then press Enter to open a Command Prompt window.
2. At the Command Prompt window, type MSIExec, and then press Enter. If the MSI engine is working, there should be no error messages, and a separate dialog box should open. This shows the MSI version.
3. If the installer version is not version 4.5, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base for information and for a link to download Windows installer 4.5:
   942288 Windows Installer 4.5 is available
4. Try to install or to uninstall again.

If the problem persists, go to method 4.

Method 4: Reregister the installer engine

Important This method applies to Windows XP and to Windows Server 2000 only.

1. Click Start, click Run then type cmd in the dialog, and then click Command Prompt.
2. At the command prompt, type the following, and then press Enter after each line:
   MSIExec /unregister
   
   MSIExec /regserver
3. Try to install or to uninstall again.

Installing or updating programs in Windows may not have completed successfully

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The method that is used to install or to update the program may not have completed successfully

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. The following are common methods that are used to install software:

• Insert the CD or DVD media, and then let the installation auto-start.
• Browse to the CD, DVD, removable media, or other location where the programs installation files are stored, and then double-click the Setup program. The setup file is typically one of the following:
  • Autorun or Autorun.exe
  • Setup or Setup.exe
  • Install or Install.exe
• Click Run when you download the program from an Internet website.

The installation media may be unreadable

Installation media such as CD and DVD media may be dirty or scratched and may be unreadable by the CD or DVD reader and cause installation, removal, or updating issues.

Method 1: Clean the CD or DVD that you are using to install (This applies only if you have to use a CD or DVD.)

Clean the CD or DVD media. To do this, use a CD or DVD disc-cleaning kit. Or, gently wipe the silver side of the disc by using a soft, lint-free cotton cloth. Do not use paper cloth. 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 the disc into the drive.

Method 2: Copy the installation files to your computer

Copy 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 called Autorun.exe or Setup.exe. But this can vary. If you are 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 3: Obtain a fresh version of the installation package

If you tried to install from a CD or DVD, take the following actions:

• Check the software manufacturer’s website for a more recent version of the software package. Download and install the new version.
• If you already have the latest version, try to download the program from the manufacturer's website and then run the installation.

Advanced Users 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 files to be overwritten if you are prompted, and then install from that location.

Downloaded or copied installation files may be corrupted

Method 1: Copy the installation files to your computer

Copy the installation files to a local hard disk on your computer or 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 can vary. If you are not sure, check the Readme file in the folder for instructions on 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.

• If you are installing a program from the Internet, re-download the file (select Save instead of Run in the download dialog box), save the file toa folder on a local hard disk on your computer or other, removable media, and run the installation from that location.
• If your installation files are on a network (for example, a commercial or corporate environment), copy all the files to a folder on a local hard disk on your computer, and then run the installation from that location.

Method 2: Obtain a fresh version of the installation package

If some time has elapsed between when you downloaded the package and when you tried to install it, do the following:

• Check the software manufacturer’s website for a more recent version of the software package. Download and install the new version.
• If you already have the latest version, try to download the program again and then run the installation.

Programs that are currently running on your computer may be interfering with the installation process

Disable programs that might be interfering with the installation process. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start
   
   , type msconfig in the Search box, and then click msconfig.exe.
   
   
   
    If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.
2. On the General tab, click Selective startup, and then click to clear the Load startup items check box.
3. Click Services, click Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all.
4. Click OK, and then click Restart.
5. Try running your software program installation.
6. When you are finished troubleshooting the problem, restart the computer in Normal Startup mode. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Click Start
      
      , type msconfig in the Search box, and then click msconfig.exe.
      
      
      
       If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.
   2. On the General tab, click Normal startup, click OK, and then click Restart.