Windows 8 users are reporting an error when trying to install or update software: the Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. This problem seems to be affecting a large number of users, and Microsoft is currently working on a fix. The Windows Installer Service is responsible for installing and updating software on your computer. When it can’t access the files it needs, the service can’t do its job and you get the error message “Windows Installer Service could not be accessed.” Microsoft has released a statement saying that it’s aware of the problem and is working on a fix. In the meantime, you can try one of these solutions:
- Try reinstalling Windows 8. If that doesn’t work, try restoring your computer from a backup.
- Try using different software to install or update your software. If that doesn’t work, try using different versions of the same software. ..
Have you tried to install a program in Windows 7 that uses an MSI file as its installer and instead you saw the above error? Never fear. There is an easy solution and we’re here to help you with it.
First, click on the Start menu and select Run.
NOTE: If you don’t see the Run command on the Start menu, see our article about adding the Run command to the Start menu.
In the Open edit box on the Run dialog box, enter “cmd” (without the quotes) and click OK.
The Command Prompt window displays. For 64-bit Windows, type the following at the prompt and press Enter.
This unregisters the msiexec.exe file in the C:\Windows\system32 directory.
NOTE: We will show you the commands to enter for 32-bit Windows at the end of the article.
Type the following at the prompt and press Enter.
This re-registers the msiexec.exe file in the C:\Windows\system32 directory.
Type the following at the prompt and press Enter.
This unregisters the msiexec.exe file in the C:\Windows\syswow64 directory.
Type the following at the prompt and press Enter.
This re-registers the msiexec.exe file in the C:\Windows\syswow64 directory.
To close the Command Prompt window, type “exit” (without the quotes) at the prompt and press Enter.
Reboot your computer. You should now be able to install programs that use MSI installer files.
To fix this problem in 32-bit Windows, open the Command Prompt window as described above. Type the following commands in order, pressing Enter after each:
Exit the Command Prompt window and reboot your computer to complete the fix.
msiexec /regserver
