Windows Installer 3.1 will not load

I had to rebuild XP home Edition SP2 and that was successful but when I tried
to get the latest Windows update the site downloaded Windows Installer 3.1
and put the shield with the ! mark inthe task tray indicating that I had
updates to install. When I tried to install it the install failed. I have
tried rebooting the machine, redownloading Installer all to no avail. I can
not update Windows and this application is sitting inthe task tray and I can
not get rid of it. Does anyone know what I did wrong?

Remove WU downloads from the temporary folder:-

Stop the Automatic Updates service

Click Start, Choose Run.
In the Run box, type services.msc.
Click OK.
Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
Click Stop.
Stopping the service will take a moment.

Delete the contents of the Download folder
Click Start. Choose Run.
In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
Click OK.
Open the Download folder.
Delete all contents of the Download folder.
Close the window.

Start the Automatic Updates service
Click Start. Choose Run.
In the Run box, type services.msc.
Click OK.
Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
Click Start.
Starting the service will take a moment.

By deleting the contents of the Download folder - you have removed any downloaded
updates.

You can then download manually the WI and see if you can install it.
Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

If all okay, then reboot and try WU again for any updates required.
--

==================================
TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
==================================
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
Need more help? http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527
(Links to web pages and MSKB Articles are posted for the purposes of keeping the
information current)


"Gary" <> wrote in message
news:61DF2386-00A7-42B0-9816-...
|I had to rebuild XP home Edition SP2 and that was successful but when I tried
| to get the latest Windows update the site downloaded Windows Installer 3.1
| and put the shield with the ! mark inthe task tray indicating that I had
| updates to install. When I tried to install it the install failed. I have
| tried rebooting the machine, redownloading Installer all to no avail. I can
| not update Windows and this application is sitting inthe task tray and I can
| not get rid of it. Does anyone know what I did wrong?

Thank you This worked and I am now able to get the updates.

"TaurArian [MS-MVP]" wrote:

> Remove WU downloads from the temporary folder:-
>
> Stop the Automatic Updates service
>
> Click Start, Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type services.msc.
> Click OK.
> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> Click Stop.
> Stopping the service will take a moment.
>
> Delete the contents of the Download folder
> Click Start. Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
> Click OK.
> Open the Download folder.
> Delete all contents of the Download folder.
> Close the window.
>
> Start the Automatic Updates service
> Click Start. Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type services.msc.
> Click OK.
> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> Click Start.
> Starting the service will take a moment.
>
> By deleting the contents of the Download folder - you have removed any downloaded
> updates.
>
> You can then download manually the WI and see if you can install it.
> Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> If all okay, then reboot and try WU again for any updates required.
> --
>
> ==================================
> TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
> ==================================
> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> Need more help? http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527
> (Links to web pages and MSKB Articles are posted for the purposes of keeping the
> information current)
>
>
> "Gary" <> wrote in message
> news:61DF2386-00A7-42B0-9816-...
> |I had to rebuild XP home Edition SP2 and that was successful but when I tried
> | to get the latest Windows update the site downloaded Windows Installer 3.1
> | and put the shield with the ! mark inthe task tray indicating that I had
> | updates to install. When I tried to install it the install failed. I have
> | tried rebooting the machine, redownloading Installer all to no avail. I can
> | not update Windows and this application is sitting inthe task tray and I can
> | not get rid of it. Does anyone know what I did wrong?
>
>
>

You're welcome.

"Gary" wrote:

> Thank you This worked and I am now able to get the updates.
>
> "TaurArian [MS-MVP]" wrote:
>
> > Remove WU downloads from the temporary folder:-
> >
> > Stop the Automatic Updates service
> >
> > Click Start, Choose Run.
> > In the Run box, type services.msc.
> > Click OK.
> > Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> > Click Stop.
> > Stopping the service will take a moment.
> >
> > Delete the contents of the Download folder
> > Click Start. Choose Run.
> > In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
> > Click OK.
> > Open the Download folder.
> > Delete all contents of the Download folder.
> > Close the window.
> >
> > Start the Automatic Updates service
> > Click Start. Choose Run.
> > In the Run box, type services.msc.
> > Click OK.
> > Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> > Click Start.
> > Starting the service will take a moment.
> >
> > By deleting the contents of the Download folder - you have removed any downloaded
> > updates.
> >
> > You can then download manually the WI and see if you can install it.
> > Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2)
> > http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
> >
> > If all okay, then reboot and try WU again for any updates required.
> > --
> >
> > ==================================
> > TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
> > ==================================
> > http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > Need more help? http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527
> > (Links to web pages and MSKB Articles are posted for the purposes of keeping the
> > information current)
> >
> >
> > "Gary" <> wrote in message
> > news:61DF2386-00A7-42B0-9816-...
> > |I had to rebuild XP home Edition SP2 and that was successful but when I tried
> > | to get the latest Windows update the site downloaded Windows Installer 3.1
> > | and put the shield with the ! mark inthe task tray indicating that I had
> > | updates to install. When I tried to install it the install failed. I have
> > | tried rebooting the machine, redownloading Installer all to no avail. I can
> > | not update Windows and this application is sitting inthe task tray and I can
> > | not get rid of it. Does anyone know what I did wrong?
> >
> >
> >

--
gmgcsmith


"TaurArian" wrote:

> You're welcome.
>
> "Gary" wrote:
>
> > Thank you This worked and I am now able to get the updates.
> >
> > "TaurArian [MS-MVP]" wrote:
> >
> > > Remove WU downloads from the temporary folder:-
> > >
> > > Stop the Automatic Updates service
> > >
> > > Click Start, Choose Run.
> > > In the Run box, type services.msc.
> > > Click OK.
> > > Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> > > Click Stop.
> > > Stopping the service will take a moment.
> > >
> > > Delete the contents of the Download folder
> > > Click Start. Choose Run.
> > > In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
> > > Click OK.
> > > Open the Download folder.
> > > Delete all contents of the Download folder.
> > > Close the window.
> > >
> > > Start the Automatic Updates service
> > > Click Start. Choose Run.
> > > In the Run box, type services.msc.
> > > Click OK.
> > > Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> > > Click Start.
> > > Starting the service will take a moment.
> > >
> > > By deleting the contents of the Download folder - you have removed any downloaded
> > > updates.
> > >
> > > You can then download manually the WI and see if you can install it.
> > > Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2)
> > > http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
> > >
> > > If all okay, then reboot and try WU again for any updates required.
> > > --
> > >
> > > ==================================
> > > TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
> > > ==================================
> > > http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > > Need more help? http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527
> > > (Links to web pages and MSKB Articles are posted for the purposes of keeping the
> > > information current)
> > >
> > >
> > > "Gary" <> wrote in message
> > > news:61DF2386-00A7-42B0-9816-...
> > > |I had to rebuild XP home Edition SP2 and that was successful but when I tried
> > > | to get the latest Windows update the site downloaded Windows Installer 3.1
> > > | and put the shield with the ! mark inthe task tray indicating that I had
> > > | updates to install. When I tried to install it the install failed. I have
> > > | tried rebooting the machine, redownloading Installer all to no avail. I can
> > > | not update Windows and this application is sitting inthe task tray and I can
> > > | not get rid of it. Does anyone know what I did wrong?
> > >
> > >
> > >

I followed your advice step by step and while the updates will download they
will not not initialize. If I do search on Microsoft to get each individual
update and load them one at a time it does work but not via the Installer as
you suggested below.
I am user an account with admin priviliges so that is not the case.
HELP!! - thanks

"TaurArian [MS-MVP]" wrote:

> Remove WU downloads from the temporary folder:-
>
> Stop the Automatic Updates service
>
> Click Start, Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type services.msc.
> Click OK.
> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> Click Stop.
> Stopping the service will take a moment.
>
> Delete the contents of the Download folder
> Click Start. Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
> Click OK.
> Open the Download folder.
> Delete all contents of the Download folder.
> Close the window.
>
> Start the Automatic Updates service
> Click Start. Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type services.msc.
> Click OK.
> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> Click Start.
> Starting the service will take a moment.
>
> By deleting the contents of the Download folder - you have removed any downloaded
> updates.
>
> You can then download manually the WI and see if you can install it.
> Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> If all okay, then reboot and try WU again for any updates required.
> --
>
> ==================================
> TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
> ==================================
> http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> Need more help? http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527
> (Links to web pages and MSKB Articles are posted for the purposes of keeping the
> information current)
>
>
> "Gary" <> wrote in message
> news:61DF2386-00A7-42B0-9816-...
> |I had to rebuild XP home Edition SP2 and that was successful but when I tried
> | to get the latest Windows update the site downloaded Windows Installer 3.1
> | and put the shield with the ! mark inthe task tray indicating that I had
> | updates to install. When I tried to install it the install failed. I have
> | tried rebooting the machine, redownloading Installer all to no avail. I can
> | not update Windows and this application is sitting inthe task tray and I can
> | not get rid of it. Does anyone know what I did wrong?
>
>
>

The thread you attached to dates back to October 2006. Things change.

For you, try: Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update,
from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a
Windows XP installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Ignore the title.

And always start a new thread rather than hijacking an old one.

Ta
--

--------------------------------
TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2008
Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org


"liebermanj" wrote:

> I followed your advice step by step and while the updates will download they
> will not not initialize. If I do search on Microsoft to get each individual
> update and load them one at a time it does work but not via the Installer as
> you suggested below.
> I am user an account with admin priviliges so that is not the case.
> HELP!! - thanks
>
> "TaurArian [MS-MVP]" wrote:
>
> > Remove WU downloads from the temporary folder:-
> >
> > Stop the Automatic Updates service
> >
> > Click Start, Choose Run.
> > In the Run box, type services.msc.
> > Click OK.
> > Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> > Click Stop.
> > Stopping the service will take a moment.
> >
> > Delete the contents of the Download folder
> > Click Start. Choose Run.
> > In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
> > Click OK.
> > Open the Download folder.
> > Delete all contents of the Download folder.
> > Close the window.
> >
> > Start the Automatic Updates service
> > Click Start. Choose Run.
> > In the Run box, type services.msc.
> > Click OK.
> > Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> > Click Start.
> > Starting the service will take a moment.
> >
> > By deleting the contents of the Download folder - you have removed any downloaded
> > updates.
> >
> > You can then download manually the WI and see if you can install it.
> > Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2)
> > http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
> >
> > If all okay, then reboot and try WU again for any updates required.
> > --
> >
> > ==================================
> > TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
> > ==================================
> > http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > Need more help? http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527
> > (Links to web pages and MSKB Articles are posted for the purposes of keeping the
> > information current)
> >
> >
> > "Gary" <> wrote in message
> > news:61DF2386-00A7-42B0-9816-...
> > |I had to rebuild XP home Edition SP2 and that was successful but when I tried
> > | to get the latest Windows update the site downloaded Windows Installer 3.1
> > | and put the shield with the ! mark inthe task tray indicating that I had
> > | updates to install. When I tried to install it the install failed. I have
> > | tried rebooting the machine, redownloading Installer all to no avail. I can
> > | not update Windows and this application is sitting inthe task tray and I can
> > | not get rid of it. Does anyone know what I did wrong?
> >
> >
> >

Appreciate the feedback however the problem is solved. I tried several other
'fixes' and the first download I tried was one for IE7 and that worked then I
did a complete download (over 30 fixes) and it worked. Now I need to drop XP
SP3. Thanks anyway

"TaurArian" wrote:

> The thread you attached to dates back to October 2006. Things change.
>
> For you, try: Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update,
> from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a
> Windows XP installation
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
>
> Ignore the title.
>
> And always start a new thread rather than hijacking an old one.
>
> Ta
> --
>
> --------------------------------
> TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2008
> Update Services
> http://taurarian.mvps.org
>
>
> "liebermanj" wrote:
>
> > I followed your advice step by step and while the updates will download they
> > will not not initialize. If I do search on Microsoft to get each individual
> > update and load them one at a time it does work but not via the Installer as
> > you suggested below.
> > I am user an account with admin priviliges so that is not the case.
> > HELP!! - thanks
> >
> > "TaurArian [MS-MVP]" wrote:
> >
> > > Remove WU downloads from the temporary folder:-
> > >
> > > Stop the Automatic Updates service
> > >
> > > Click Start, Choose Run.
> > > In the Run box, type services.msc.
> > > Click OK.
> > > Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> > > Click Stop.
> > > Stopping the service will take a moment.
> > >
> > > Delete the contents of the Download folder
> > > Click Start. Choose Run.
> > > In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
> > > Click OK.
> > > Open the Download folder.
> > > Delete all contents of the Download folder.
> > > Close the window.
> > >
> > > Start the Automatic Updates service
> > > Click Start. Choose Run.
> > > In the Run box, type services.msc.
> > > Click OK.
> > > Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> > > Click Start.
> > > Starting the service will take a moment.
> > >
> > > By deleting the contents of the Download folder - you have removed any downloaded
> > > updates.
> > >
> > > You can then download manually the WI and see if you can install it.
> > > Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2)
> > > http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
> > >
> > > If all okay, then reboot and try WU again for any updates required.
> > > --
> > >
> > > ==================================
> > > TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
> > > ==================================
> > > http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > > Need more help? http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527
> > > (Links to web pages and MSKB Articles are posted for the purposes of keeping the
> > > information current)
> > >
> > >
> > > "Gary" <> wrote in message
> > > news:61DF2386-00A7-42B0-9816-...
> > > |I had to rebuild XP home Edition SP2 and that was successful but when I tried
> > > | to get the latest Windows update the site downloaded Windows Installer 3.1
> > > | and put the shield with the ! mark inthe task tray indicating that I had
> > > | updates to install. When I tried to install it the install failed. I have
> > > | tried rebooting the machine, redownloading Installer all to no avail. I can
> > > | not update Windows and this application is sitting inthe task tray and I can
> > > | not get rid of it. Does anyone know what I did wrong?
> > >
> > >
> > >