Hello, I am having a number of problems with Windows installer:
I have:
Windows 7 home premium
64 bit
Intel Duo CPU 2.20GHz
Purchased from Best Buy 12/09 with Windows 7 already installed

Yesterday I could not install my new printer, I had a problem with windows installer. After doing a search for the error message MSI.dot4wrk40 with no results, I called Dell tech support. After about 2 hours on the phone I was told to back up all my data, and given instructions on how reinstall Windows 7. I first went through and did all the Windows updates, then the software updates. After this I had to reinstall all my programs that is when the headaches began.

NOW I cannot install a number of my programs, programs that HAD previously been installed and working on the computer, including Itunes, Quickbooks pro 2009, HP printer software and others. They all bring up error messages regarding windows installer. I should mention that some installed just fine.

I have checked and have Windows ® Installer. V 5.0.7600.16385

I am at my wits end, I don't know what to do next and frankly found Dell Tech support unhelpful and frustrating.

Can anyone here recommend a fix?

Thank you
Jenny P

Icrontic is proud to offer the Office Hours series of articles. Each week we’ll take a look at a common problem in Windows or often-used software and nail down a quick fix for it. This week, the good doctor explores how to fix a Windows Installer Service that has gone on the blink.

The symptom

The Microsoft Windows Installer Service is a core Windows component that aids in the installation, maintenance and removal of Windows applications. This framework has vastly improved the ease of both installing and removing software on modern Windows operating systems. The most familiar presentation of this service is in the Add/Remove Programs Wizard that nearly everyone has used at one time or another. However, this system is prone to intermittent failure in the form of an error that reads, “The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed.”

Treatment

Like all good tangles with Windows XP’s fickle ways, there’s no rhyme or reason as to why this critical service might break. It’s easier just to accept that it’s broken and move on with the fix that’s described below.

Step 1:

Start the DOS shell for Windows XP by clicking start, clicking run, then typing “CMD” in the box and pressing enter.