Encountering issues with the Windows Installer Service in Windows 10, particularly the “Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed” error, can disrupt your ability to install or update programs. This article provides a detailed guide on identifying and fixing this issue through various troubleshooting methods. Read on to discover effective solutions to get your Windows Installer Service back on track.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Error:
The error message “Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed” indicates a problem with the proper functioning of the Windows Installer. Whether triggered by the installation of a new application or running Microsoft Office, this error signifies a misconfiguration of the Windows Installer.
How to Fix “Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed” Error:
Fix 1: Confirm The Installer Service Is Running
Follow these steps to ensure the Windows Installer Service is running:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
- Type
msconfig
and click OK. - Navigate to the “Services” tab and click the box next to “Windows Installer.”
- Click OK, then Apply, and finally, Restart your computer.
Verify if the error persists after restarting your computer.
Fix 2: Re-Register Microsoft Installer Service
Re-registering the Microsoft Installer Service can often resolve the issue. Execute the following commands in the Command Prompt:
%windir%\system32\msiexec.exe /unregister
%windir%\system32\msiexec.exe /regserver
%windir%\syswow64\msiexec.exe /unregister
%windir%\syswow64\msiexec.exe /regserver
For 32-bit Windows, use:
msiexec /regserver
Afterward, restart your computer to check if the problem persists.
Fix 3: Reset Windows Installer Service Registry
Before making changes to the registry, create a backup:
- Press Windows Key + R, type
regedit
, and press OK. - In the Registry Editor, go to File > Export to create a backup.
- Save the backup file.
Now, add a .reg
file to the registry using the following steps:
- Open Notepad.
- Paste the provided text into Notepad.
- Save the file as
repair.reg
. - Right-click on
repair.reg
and choose “Run as administrator.”
Check if the Windows Installer Service error is resolved after these steps.
Fix 4: Uninstall The Earlier Version Of The Software
If the issue persists, uninstall the older version of the software you are trying to install before attempting the installation again.
- Go to Start > Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
- Select the program and click Uninstall.
- Restart your computer.
- Install the desired software.
Use a third-party uninstaller for the thorough removal of program traces.
Fix 5: Change Remote Procedure Call Service
Adjusting the settings of the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service might help:
- Press Windows Key + R, type
services.msc
, and press Enter. - Locate and double-click on the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service.
- Go to the Log On tab and check “Local System account” and “Allow service to interact with desktop.”
- Restart your computer.
If the issue Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed persists, change the RPC settings as described in the article.
Fix 6: Delete Duplicate Msiexec File
Ensure there is no duplicate msiexec.exe
file by following these steps:
- Navigate to C:\Windows\System32.
- Look for a file named
msiexec.exe
and check for a second file without the.exe
extension and with a 0KB size. - Rename the second file to
msiexec_old
.
Restart the Windows service and verify if the error Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed resolved.
Conclusion:
Resolving the “Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed” error demands a systematic approach. By following the provided solutions, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix the issue on your Windows 10 system. Remember to stay updated and keep your PC clean for a smoother computing experience. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram for more updates and tech tips.