A fairly common problem among users operating system Windows of any versions - msi error when installing programs from a file with the .msi extension. In this article, I will describe common problems with the Windows 7/10/XP installer and how to solve them, as well as make a video on the current issue.
Files with the .msi extension are the usual installation packages (distributions) from which the program is installed. Unlike the usual "setup.exe", the system uses the Windows Installer service (msiexec.exe process) to run the msi file. talking in simple words, the Windows Installer will unzip and run the files from the distribution. When the Windows Installer does not work, various errors appear.
In general, it terribly infuriates me, because. after a stupid error message, it's completely unclear what to do next. Microsoft specifically developed the Windows Installer to enhance the installation of programs (this mainly concerns system administrators), but didn't take proper care of the bug-free operation of this service, or at least adequate reporting of problems. And now we have to rake it 🙂
Problems may be with the operation of the service itself or may occur during the installation of programs, when everything is set up, in principle, correctly. In the first case, you need to pick the installer service, and in the second, solve the problem with a specific file. Consider both options, but first the second.
msi file errors
Very often, errors appear due to insufficient system rights to files or folders. It cannot be said that the Windows Installer does not work, in this case it is enough just to add the necessary rights and everything will work. Just yesterday, I encountered the fact that the downloaded distribution.msi did not want to be installed, while the installation wizard starts successfully, the parameters are selected, but then the system thinks for a few seconds and gives an error:
"Error reading from file "file name" verify that the file exists and that you can access it" (Error 1305). It translates "Error reading from file ... check if the file exists and if you have access to it." Well, aren't you stupid? Naturally, the "Retry" button does not help, and canceling stops the entire installation. The message also does not carry a special semantic load, because the file definitely exists and I have access to it, otherwise I would simply not be able to run it and get this message, besides for some reason in English 🙂
And the error is that I should not have access to the file, but the Windows installer, or rather the System itself. The solution is very simple:
Now the installer error will not appear! You can add access to the entire folder from which you usually install programs, for example, to the Downloads folder, as I have. Watch a video on solving problems with access rights:
In Windows XP, there will be no "Security" tab if a simple general access to files. To turn it off, you need to go to "Start -> Control Panel -> Folder Options -> View" and turn off the "Use simple file sharing" option. In stripped-down versions of Windows 7/10 and XP, there is no Security tab at all. To see it, you need to log into it as an administrator.
More ways to solve the problem
The described method will help with different messages, with different numbers. For example, you may see msi file errors like this:
- Error 1723
- Internal Error 2203
- System error 2147287035
- Error "This installation package cannot be opened"
- Error 1603: A fatal error occurred during installation
In all these cases, setting the rights to the file and / or to some system folders. Check if "system" has access to the temporary files folder (you may get the error "The system cannot open the specified device or file"). For this:
After pressing "Enter" the path will change to "normal" and you will be moved to the real temporary folder. The rights to it also should be checked. I also recommend clearing temporary folders from everything that has accumulated there, or even better, delete them and create new ones with the same names. If you can't delete the folder, read , but it's not necessary.
If the Windows Installer service still does not want to work, then check the rights to the folder "C:\Config.Msi", here "system" must also have full access. In this case, you may have observed the "Error 1310" error. Just in case, make sure that the folder WHERE you install the software also has all the rights.
Registry settings and services
The next way to fix the error is to restore the operating parameters in the registry of the Windows Installer.
To do this, download the archive and run two reg-files from there, according to your Windows versions. Agree to import settings.
Important! Before the last action, preferably! If the method does not help or gets worse, you can recover to the previous state.
On Windows XP or Windows Server 2000 install latest version installer 4.5.
If it doesn’t help, then re-register the components:
- Press "Win + R" and type " cmd". Then in the black window, enter the following commands in sequence:
MSIExec /unregister
MSIExec /regserver - The answer should be empty, no errors. If the problem is not solved, enter another command
regsvr32 msi.dll - close the black window
If it says that there are not enough rights, then you need to run .
If the commands were executed, but did not help, then run msi_error.bat from the archive, check the result.
The last option is to download the Kerish Doctor program, it has a feature to fix the installer service and many other common Windows problems.
Also, many programs use the .NET Framework, so it will not be superfluous to install the latest version of this package. And, finally, one more piece of advice: if there is at least one folder with a space at the beginning of the name in the path to the distribution file, then remove the space. This simple trick will solve your problem 🙂
Summarizing
Errors with the Windows installer are very unpleasant, there are a lot of them and it is not immediately clear where to dig. One thing is clear - the system has failed and needs to be restored to working condition. Sometimes nothing helps and you have to. However, do not rush to do this, try asking for help on this forum. Describe your problem exactly, tell us what you have already done, what messages you received, and maybe they will help you! After all, the world is not without good people 🙂
Errors when installing applications from files with the .msi extension are one of the manifestations of malfunctions windows services Installer (in Russian version- Windows Installer). FROM similar phenomenon faced by users of all versions of this OS, with the exception of the earliest. So far, the problem with the installer is one of common causes, according to which users decide to reinstall the system. Let's try to figure out how to avoid this. The reason why the Windows Installer is not working may be the following:
- virus infection, and removing the virus does not always solve the problem;
- incorrect installation Windows updates;
- Anti-malware crashes when instead of blocking one suspicious msi file, the installation service is blocked entirely;
- changes in security policies on the computer;
- damage system files or the registry for reasons not related to viruses (removal of installer components, unqualified editing of the registry, "crooked" software, malfunction hard drive etc.).
Checking the integrity of the Windows Installer structure
The Windows Installer is represented by the following components:- file C:\Windows\System32\Msiexec.exe - directly by the installer itself;
- file C:\Windows\System32\msi.dll - Windows Installer library;
- by the Msiserver service, whose settings are stored in the registry key .
If the files are missing, copy them from another system of the same version or from the installation disk. If the registry key is missing or damaged, also transfer it from working system. To do this, on a working computer, run the registry editor (C:\Windows\Regedt.exe) and find the above section. 
Expand with right click context menu msiserver folder and click Export. Save the file in .reg format and transfer it to the problem machine. 
Double-click this file and confirm your consent to add data to the registry. Restart your computer. 
If the Msiserver service still does not start, check if the RPC (Remote Procedure Call) service on which it depends is running. 
You can re-register the installer files and restart the service using a set of special commands, in command line. For convenience, you can create batch file: Paste the action set into Notepad and save as with .bat extension. To run a file, simply double-click on it. For the changes to take effect, click on the desktop and press F5. Checking security settings and permissions
Windows Installer may not work due to the fact that it is blocked by security software or the operating system does not have the necessary rights. First, let's deal with the software. If you have an antivirus installed, disable it temporarily. Each product has its own ways to disable it, but most often it is done through the context menu of the antivirus icon in the system tray. Now let's take a look at rights. Open the context menu of Msiexec.exe and expand its properties.
View the list of groups and users on the "Security" tab. Among them, there must be "System" and the "Trustedinstaller" service, and the latter must have full access to the file and be its owner. The system must have "read" and "read and execute" permissions. 
The Trustedinstaller service first appeared in Windows Vista, so in Windows XP, full control must be granted to the system. Everything written below refers to versions released after XP. To check who owns Msiexec.exe, click the "Advanced" button on the same tab. 
In the next window, expand the "Owner" tab. Set the owner to the Trustedinstaller service if something else is specified. If it doesn't appear in the "Change Owner To" list, click the "Change" button, followed by "Other Users and Groups". 
Enter Trustedinstaller in the "Enter Names..." field, click "Check Names" and OK. Return to the previous window. On the "Effective Permissions" tab, assign the necessary rights to Trustedinstaller and the system. 
The msi.dll library must have exactly the same security settings. Now let's check if there are any restrictions for the "System" user to access the following: - system drive (usually drive C);
- temporary folders (these are C:\Windows\Temp and C:\Users\Current_user\AppData\Temp);
- folder C:\Config.Msi;
- the folder where the msi file from which you are trying to install the program is located.
Good day ladies and gentlemen! Are you trying to install the most popular communication program? And then the installation got out byaka! I will not be mistaken if you are looking for how to deal with an error when skype installation. The most interesting thing is that until recently, when installing skype on a clean windows OS, there were no such problems. At new installation or updating skype, some users started to get an error that they could not find or download the Microsoft installer when installing skype.
Perhaps Skype adds new requirements for windows 7. And this is not surprising. The era of Windows 7 is fading away. But don't despair, there is a solution! The error can be solved in several ways, the only thing you need to figure out which option is right for you.
Just like you, I ran into this trouble, reinstalled windows 7, installed the necessary set of programs for comfortable work at the computer. It came to installing skype, as expected, downloaded and launched the installation, nothing foreshadowed trouble. And here you have a piece of happiness, could not be found microsoft installer or run! Sailed.
Began to understand, read the forums. Found an interesting thing. Skype support recommends Alternative option solutions, in other words temporary, for those who do not want to bother and look for methods to fix the error. You need to download and install the MSI installer:
But this is not a way out of the situation, but just a temporary remedy, which, as usual, will stop working at the most inopportune moment. As it usually happens.
Why does Microsoft installer error occur during installation
Let's figure out what it is and what it is eaten with! Windows installer error appears when skype is updated to new version or on a fresh install. As always, everything is done for the benefit of the user. Improvements in terms of security, utility and all that. At a time when the matter is closely related to the security of the program, then, accordingly, the operating system must comply with security requirements. The bar for OS Win7 is lifted from skype. For Windows 8, 8.1 and Win10 this is not observed.
Simply put, you need to update outdated Win7 OS components. But what, you ask, and I also asked this question)) I started with the update package of the operating system itself. More on this below.
By the way, it makes no sense to install a separate Windows installer. Verified.
If you want to try installing the windows installer separately, you can download from the microsof site at the link below and try it. Only if you succeed, describe your situation and share with people who also encountered an error. Personally, a separate installation did not help me.
I overcame the problem by installing the service pack. How to do this, read below.
Install or update Internet Explorer 11
The correct way when an error occurs could not find or download the microsoft installer is to install / reinstall IE11 on the PC. If you believe the official skype requirements for windows 7 SP1, Internet Explorer 11 must be installed for normal operation. Even if IE11 is installed, you should download and run the installation again. Which in turn will install the necessary updates to use Skype.
You need to start by checking the version of IE installed on your computer. To do this, go to Internet Explorer, click on the gear and select an item in the menu About the program. As a result, you will see a window with the IE version.
If you have a version below 11, then you need to use the Paragraph Reference and in it choose About the program. What to do if there is no gear, no Help, just press Alt key in the browser. And you will see the menu.
If you have an explorer below version 11, you must update, it's not even discussed! In cases where the version corresponds to the latest version 11, then you need to download the distribution and reinstall.
Choose for the desired operating system and download from the link below:
Install, restart your computer and try to run the skype installation.
Install windows 7 updates
Friends, this is 100% result. To be honest, I started with this decision, because after installation, the operating system turns out to be “bare”, no updates, no drivers, nothing, if you don’t have an assembly. In which some updates may be included in the installation.
The advantages of the method are in installing new things, and Windows will not squirm itself, download gradually and update and solve the problem with Skype. We kill two birds with one stone!
The package you need install KB2533623 for windows 7 if you are not updating the OS. Or maybe the update is completely turned off, or you do not confirm the system update.
What are these requirements for, so that your computer has all the important fixes from mexosoft. Or maybe Skype for one with Bill Gates)). That all passed to modern OS. Like I said before windows time 7 passes, and official support is no longer provided. Who remembers how it was with windows xp.
After downloading, install updates, the system will reboot several times and you can try to install Skype.
As a result, we get all the critical system fixes installed, plus skype itself is installed, without problems, in fact, what we need.
Download and install Skype full installer
You can try another method in those cases when the skype error is written, it was not possible to find the microsoft installer. The point is to download the full distribution of Skype, or an offline installer and then install it.
You must first set the compatibility mode to Windows XP SP3. Here is the link to the official download site:
Click right click mice by distribution, then Properties. Choose a tab Compatibility, tick Run the program in compatibility mode for Windows XP (Service Pack 3), Further OK.
You start the installation. Working option, tested.
Let's summarize what has been done. We have learned what to do when an error occurs - Could not find microsoft installer when installing skype, three proven solutions that you can easily do
Oh, and it won't take long. Solved the problem on their own, without resorting to paid services IT specialist and personal satisfaction, which is not unimportant.
In conclusion, I would like to hear your opinion or advice on resolving the error on your computer. Or maybe you have another solution to the problem. We will add information to the article and users will be able to fix the problem and enjoy Skype.
Windows is the operating system that runs on most modern computers. For it, a lot of not only games, but also applications are released. But sometimes even the most reliable devices have problems. What to do if the format of the program is unknown to the computer, why does it not start? Solving the problem is simple - download and install the Windows Installer service for Windows 7 x32.
About the purpose of the program
Thanks to this program, users will no longer have problems when working with applications that have the msi extension. They can be removed and configured, installed. The installer allows you to install and configure the necessary parameters at any time.
Difficulties with the service. And their reasons
You just need to download and enable the application if, when working with other programs, a message pops up that the service could not be accessed by the service. Usually the installer comes bundled with the operating system itself. When is access closed? If the user is not logged into account, but retained guest status.
Troubleshooting startup issues
Is the computer yours alone? Then it is enough to use the rights of the main user or administrator, and log in again. If the computer is someone else's, you need to contact the person responsible for accessing the system.
Sometimes a message appears stating that the service has been disabled altogether. In such a situation, too, there is nothing difficult.
Problems arise due to the fact that the version of the program is outdated, or this tool is not available at all. Then you just need to find a service on the Internet, install it. Starting with version 7 of Windows, the program is compatible with all the latest operating systems.
When reinstalling the program, you will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. There is another solution from the developers of the operating system itself - Windows Installer Clean Up. Thanks to this solution, it is easy to remove options in the installer if some of them interfere with the normal work with programs. The main thing is to prevent duplication of files in folders and on hard drives.
It's no secret that the lion's share of the world's population uses the operating system from Microsoft on their PCs. It can be Windows 7, the same Windows 8.1 or cutting-edge Windows 10. Naturally. It is for these OS that exists great amount programs. From the simplest ones that do not require installation, to giants like Photoshop.
But there are such unpleasant moments when any of these applications simply refuses to be installed on the computer. How to be in that case? There is a solution - all you have to do is download desired application on Windows 7 and install it for your computer. Below we will talk about how to do this correctly and describe all possible deviations from the course and ways to bypass them.
What is an application?
Windows Installer (aka Windows installer) is a part of the operating system, because of which we can install or remove an application with the .msi extension. Thanks to this component, you can not only install or remove any application, but also make changes to it (we hope you understand the importance of the installer). You can download and install Windows installer for free.
Reasons for the inoperability of the program
If you started installing a program on a PC, but instead of the coveted window, you saw the inscription: “Cannot access Windows Installer”, then by reading this article, you are moving in the right direction. The component is supplied as part of the Microsoft OS, but there are situations when it needs to be forced to run or reinstalled. Program failure is possible for the following reasons:
Restricting access when logging in with a second account
To solve this problem you just need to log in with the main account (administrator). If you do not have such an opportunity, you need to contact the person who installed this OS or configured it.
Disabled Windows Installer Service
In order to start a stopped service, open the "Search" menu and enter the word "Services".
You can also hold down Win+R. In a small window, write services.msc and click "OK":
We are looking for the Windows Installer in the list, then double-click on it and click "Run".
Missing Component
If the service is not found on your computer or is simply outdated, you can download it from the link and install all components.