dec789
asked on
Windows Installer caught in endless loop
My computer is trying to install some automatic update it downloaded from Microsoft. The "Windows Installer" keeps starting up but can't find a file it needs and says to put a install CD in to find the file. I don't have any install CDs. When I try to cancel the installer it shuts down and then starts up again 5 seconds later. I have Windows XP Pro all software on my computer is licensed and paid for. I tried to restore the system to a past date it will not let me restore.
Is there some place I can clear out the file that's kicking off the "Windows Installer"?
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Don
Is there some place I can clear out the file that's kicking off the "Windows Installer"?
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Don
Hi
OK .. in the SinXP machine I found, I did this. Go to the Microsoft Update web site. There on the left side of the screen you'll see "Review your update history." It is pretty simple from there to disable a failed update and find out specific information about how to fix the update for your machine.
Let me know if you have any other questions about this.
OK .. in the SinXP machine I found, I did this. Go to the Microsoft Update web site. There on the left side of the screen you'll see "Review your update history." It is pretty simple from there to disable a failed update and find out specific information about how to fix the update for your machine.
Let me know if you have any other questions about this.
dec789--uucknaaa--is probably referring to the C:Windows\WindowsUpdate.lo
The errors are usually at the very bottom of the log.
You could also use Process Explorer to see what programs are calling on Windows Installer
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/processexplorer.mspx
When does the problem occur? When you boot? When you click on some program?
Other references
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555175
The errors are usually at the very bottom of the log.
You could also use Process Explorer to see what programs are calling on Windows Installer
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/processexplorer.mspx
When does the problem occur? When you boot? When you click on some program?
Other references
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555175
ASKER
The problem occurs when I turn on my computer - when it boots up it automaticlly attempts to install something called "Status" When the installer can't find the file it's looking for it prompts me to find the file on a installation CD, which I don't have. I'm not even sure what program is trying to install. I checked the Windows Update site and for my machine all updates have been successful.
I tried the Windows Installer Clean Up utility but the utility fails to install because "Error 1500. Another installation is in progress. You must complete that installation before continuing this one."
I've attached my WindowsUpdate.log I can't make heads or tails of it. Because the installer keeps kicking off and taking up resources on the computer I'm struggling to do the most basic things like access the internet and bring up web sites. It took me 20 minutes to get to this site to try to send this reply.
Is there a registry key that I can edit to stop the installer? I'm not that familiar with editing registry entries but I'm willing to try it if I had some instructions.
Thanks,
Don
WindowsUpdate.log
I tried the Windows Installer Clean Up utility but the utility fails to install because "Error 1500. Another installation is in progress. You must complete that installation before continuing this one."
I've attached my WindowsUpdate.log I can't make heads or tails of it. Because the installer keeps kicking off and taking up resources on the computer I'm struggling to do the most basic things like access the internet and bring up web sites. It took me 20 minutes to get to this site to try to send this reply.
Is there a registry key that I can edit to stop the installer? I'm not that familiar with editing registry entries but I'm willing to try it if I had some instructions.
Thanks,
Don
WindowsUpdate.log
dec789--I am looking into your WinUpdate.log. The first thing that strikes me is that no ERRORS are listed. But I will try to dig deeper.
Are you getting any error messages when this looping occurs?
Also, look into Event Viewer (Start|Administrative Tools|Event Viewer). Click on "System" in the left panel. Do you see RedBall error icon(s) timestamped at the exact time the problem occurred? If so, click on the RedBall. The first message will have some data on what the problem is, but usually it is not too easy to understand. Click the blue go.microsoft.com link. Send a report to Microsoft. Another window should open (though it may take some time) which may offer some more understandable info and maybe even a solution.
Are you getting any error messages when this looping occurs?
Also, look into Event Viewer (Start|Administrative Tools|Event Viewer). Click on "System" in the left panel. Do you see RedBall error icon(s) timestamped at the exact time the problem occurred? If so, click on the RedBall. The first message will have some data on what the problem is, but usually it is not too easy to understand. Click the blue go.microsoft.com link. Send a report to Microsoft. Another window should open (though it may take some time) which may offer some more understandable info and maybe even a solution.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Thank you both jcimarron and orangutang for your help the information provided by both of you led me to the solution. In the end I still do not know which attempted install was causing the problem. I have auto-update set to accept only updates for Windows, Java, and the Adobe reader. I was finally able to install the WICU and clear everything out of the Windows Installer.
dec789--It is good to hear the news. You are welcome!
You can disable an update from installing by looking at the automatic update log file. You'll see the one that has been given you problems and disable it there.
I'll have to find an XP machine to get the specifics and get back to you.