/ Cannot Install Software in Safe Mode

Cannot Install Software in Safe Mode

I’m having problems loading software. Windows Installer says I’m in Safe Mode, or not installed properly, can you help? I’ve recently gotten a virus, and I’m trying to clear the system. Susan Keenan

What is Windows Installer?

Windows Installer comes with your Windows Operating System. This is the application that allows you to install programs onto your computer.

Windows Installer Error Messages

Sometimes the Windows Installer Service generates an error message such as the one above when trying to install a program. The problem is most likely not because you are in Safe Mode but an error with the Windows Installer utility. If you are in Safe Mode, you will see those two words on the monitor screen in all four corners. If this is the case, you simply need to reboot and the computer should load up in Normal Mode. The error could be related to broken or missing files. We’ll need to do a bit of troubleshooting in order to locate the right fix.

Checking Windows Installer

First, you’ll need to make sure that Windows Installer is enabled on the computer. Follow these directions to do so:

1) Navigate to Start.

2) Select Run.

3) Type “services.msc” in the open box.

4) Select Enter.

5) Double click on Windows Installer to open its dialog box.

6) Search for the “Startup Type.”

7) If it is listed as Disabled, change it to Manual using the drop down menu.

8) Try to install whatever software you were working with. If it works, then you should be okay. If the problem persists, continue to the next set of suggestions.

Register Windows Installer

Since you are having problems with the Windows Installer, it might be beneficial to reregister it. This is a two-step process as follows:

1) Navigate to Start and select Run. Type “msiexec/unreg” in the open box. Press enter.

2) Navigate to Start and select Run. Type “msiexec/regserver” in the open box and press enter.

Windows Installer Clean Up

At this point, if you still cannot install any software, then it is time to uninstall your Windows Installer and start with a fresh installation. The best way to remove or uninstall Windows Installer is to use the Windows Installer Cleanup utility. At the same time, you will be able to remove any partial installations of other software from the computer.

After you have uninstalled Windows Installer, you’ll need to go to Microsoft’s website and install the latest version of it. Before you do so, free up some memory/space by deleting unnecessary files, photos, temporary cache, etc from the computer. Hopefully, this strategy fixes the problem for you.