I can't install windows updates

[Barr@discussions.microsoft.com Teri Barr]

All windows updates are "failing". I tried to download SUPERAntiSpyware and
received the following message "The Windows Installer SErvice could not be
accessed. This can occur if the Weindows Installer is not correctly
installed." I do not have, or cannot find my Windows XP Media version. Plus
I've had the Koobface virus . . . which supposedly is gone. HELP!!!

[TaurArian]

Teri Barr wrote:
:: All windows updates are "failing". I tried to download

If you're 100% your computer is clean -

Check your registry to make sure the virus is gone -
http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2008-080315-0217-99&tabid=3

FYI - The Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed" error message
when you install a program in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315353

Windows Installer 4.5 is available
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942288
How to resolve Common "Windows Installer" Problems
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555175

Note if your computer is not clean post to this NG for further assistance
regarding the virus -

Security - Viruses
OE client -
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.security.virus
or
Web client -
http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.security.virus&cat=en_us_84942e99-3241-4584-87eb-b55d8ffb3c8c&lang=en&cr=us
--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no warranties
or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Chances are that you're seeing the affects of a hijackware infection.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
=====================
Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

[barr@discussions.microsoft.com teri barr]

[teri barr]

We have tried to install the links you provided but my computer won't let me
install anything. I know we updated the windows install but it still didn't
work. I have two professionals working on solutions and I think they have
exhausted everything. Would the best thing to do be to wipe out my hard
drive and reinstall everything. I don't think that Dell sent me the disks so
I would probably have to contact them.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

[teri barr]

I am still not able to access Quickbooks and Frontpage 2003. My computer
won't let me reinstall or install any programs. I tried to install OneCare
and a message came back that they were unable to install. Would you best
thing be to wipe out the hard drive and start over? Can you think of
anything else to do???

Thanks for your help, Teri

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Skip to Step #3 or format & reinstall Windows. Contact Dell Support about
the latter: There's probably a hidden Recovery partition you can use to
return the machine to OOBE state, teri.