Windows Installer error messages

Hi,
When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error message saying
that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility, but this
does not run.
From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run KB942288-v2-x86 but
receive the following error message "The update does not apply to your system"
I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points have
somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after the problem
arose.
I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the registry. My
OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Joco (London)

Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages.
Help with malware:
All MS-MVP Sites.
Consider this: Whenever a new error condition appears on your computer, it
is almost certain that there was some change to the computer soon before the
problem began.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.php

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince
you that you owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is
being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure of.


"Joco" <> wrote in message
news:A32FBBC8-A8FC-4343-BFBC-...
> Hi,
> When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error message
> saying
> that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
> I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility, but this
> does not run.
> From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run KB942288-v2-x86
> but
> receive the following error message "The update does not apply to your
> system"
> I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points have
> somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after the
> problem
> arose.
> I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the registry. My
> OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
> Any help would be greatly appreciated
> Joco (London)

Bob thanks for your reply

I have deleted all the temp files including Java, and then run NoAdware V5,
Ccleaner V2.23.999 (leaving the registry alone), Norton 360 V3 non of which
have shown anything to be infected.

I have looked at the websites mentioned, and followed some of the procedures
suggested, but still the original problem persists. I have checked the
program files, and can find nothing suspicious.

Have you any further suggestions?

Thanks Joco (London)

"Bob" wrote:

> Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
> Web pages.
> Help with malware:
> All MS-MVP Sites.
> Consider this: Whenever a new error condition appears on your computer, it
> is almost certain that there was some change to the computer soon before the
> problem began.
> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.php
>
> So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
> For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
> whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince
> you that you owe it to the author. See also:
> http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
> Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
> what else is
> being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure of.
>
>
> "Joco" <> wrote in message
> news:A32FBBC8-A8FC-4343-BFBC-...
> > Hi,
> > When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error message
> > saying
> > that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
> > I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility, but this
> > does not run.
> > From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run KB942288-v2-x86
> > but
> > receive the following error message "The update does not apply to your
> > system"
> > I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points have
> > somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after the
> > problem
> > arose.
> > I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the registry. My
> > OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
> > Any help would be greatly appreciated
> > Joco (London)
>
>

Norton is likely causing your problem.
Replace Norton with the free AVG http://free.grisoft.com/ or Avast
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html, and Windows Firewall and Windows
Defender. Disabling Norton is not enough. You need to completely uninstall
it. If it doesn't solve the problem, get rid of Norton anyway. Norton is
known to cause many problems which don’t always appear immediately.
Download and run the Norton Removal Tool.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039

It's called "360" because Symantec's goal is complete ownership of your
computer, and with even less communication about what it's trying to do or
ways to configure it than ever before (which would only interfere with its
goal.) That, along with Symantec's famous technical support, makes Norton
360 a disaster that I would only install on Granny's computer if she was
going to disinherit me.

"Joco" <> wrote in message
news:00E651B5-00DD-43A3-9D0C-...
> Bob thanks for your reply
>
> I have deleted all the temp files including Java, and then run NoAdware
> V5,
> Ccleaner V2.23.999 (leaving the registry alone), Norton 360 V3 non of
> which
> have shown anything to be infected.
>
> I have looked at the websites mentioned, and followed some of the
> procedures
> suggested, but still the original problem persists. I have checked the
> program files, and can find nothing suspicious.
>
> Have you any further suggestions?
>
> Thanks Joco (London)
>
> "Bob" wrote:
>
>> Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of
>> these
>> Web pages.
>> Help with malware:
>> All MS-MVP Sites.
>> Consider this: Whenever a new error condition appears on your computer,
>> it
>> is almost certain that there was some change to the computer soon before
>> the
>> problem began.
>> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
>> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
>> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
>> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
>> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
>> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
>> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.php
>>
>> So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
>> For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
>> whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to
>> convince
>> you that you owe it to the author. See also:
>> http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
>> Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and
>> see
>> what else is
>> being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure of.
>>
>>
>> "Joco" <> wrote in message
>> news:A32FBBC8-A8FC-4343-BFBC-...
>> > Hi,
>> > When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error message
>> > saying
>> > that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
>> > I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility, but
>> > this
>> > does not run.
>> > From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run KB942288-v2-x86
>> > but
>> > receive the following error message "The update does not apply to your
>> > system"
>> > I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points have
>> > somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after the
>> > problem
>> > arose.
>> > I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the registry.
>> > My
>> > OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
>> > Any help would be greatly appreciated
>> > Joco (London)
>>
>>

Bob Hi, thanks for your reply

I have done the following

1) Removed Norton 360 with the Norton Removal Tool
2) Installed the free AVG software, the initial scan has been runing for
over 3 hours, and so far has only found cookies.
3) Activated Defender, then run a full system scan, result "No unwanted or
Harmful software detected" This scan took over 6 hours

The above actions have not resolved the original problem, I feel this
problen may be a corrupted registry and / or Windows installer files, but
have nothing to support this thought, other than installer does not work.

Have you any further suggestions for me to try

Thanks

Joco (London)


"Bob" wrote:

>
> Norton is likely causing your problem.
> Replace Norton with the free AVG http://free.grisoft.com/ or Avast
> http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html, and Windows Firewall and Windows
> Defender. Disabling Norton is not enough. You need to completely uninstall
> it. If it doesn't solve the problem, get rid of Norton anyway. Norton is
> known to cause many problems which don’t always appear immediately.
> Download and run the Norton Removal Tool.
> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039
>
> It's called "360" because Symantec's goal is complete ownership of your
> computer, and with even less communication about what it's trying to do or
> ways to configure it than ever before (which would only interfere with its
> goal.) That, along with Symantec's famous technical support, makes Norton
> 360 a disaster that I would only install on Granny's computer if she was
> going to disinherit me.
>
> "Joco" <> wrote in message
> news:00E651B5-00DD-43A3-9D0C-...
> > Bob thanks for your reply
> >
> > I have deleted all the temp files including Java, and then run NoAdware
> > V5,
> > Ccleaner V2.23.999 (leaving the registry alone), Norton 360 V3 non of
> > which
> > have shown anything to be infected.
> >
> > I have looked at the websites mentioned, and followed some of the
> > procedures
> > suggested, but still the original problem persists. I have checked the
> > program files, and can find nothing suspicious.
> >
> > Have you any further suggestions?
> >
> > Thanks Joco (London)
> >
> > "Bob" wrote:
> >
> >> Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of
> >> these
> >> Web pages.
> >> Help with malware:
> >> All MS-MVP Sites.
> >> Consider this: Whenever a new error condition appears on your computer,
> >> it
> >> is almost certain that there was some change to the computer soon before
> >> the
> >> problem began.
> >> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
> >> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
> >> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
> >> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
> >> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> >> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
> >> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
> >> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.php
> >>
> >> So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
> >> For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
> >> whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to
> >> convince
> >> you that you owe it to the author. See also:
> >> http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
> >> Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and
> >> see
> >> what else is
> >> being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure of.
> >>
> >>
> >> "Joco" <> wrote in message
> >> news:A32FBBC8-A8FC-4343-BFBC-...
> >> > Hi,
> >> > When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error message
> >> > saying
> >> > that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
> >> > I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility, but
> >> > this
> >> > does not run.
> >> > From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run KB942288-v2-x86
> >> > but
> >> > receive the following error message "The update does not apply to your
> >> > system"
> >> > I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points have
> >> > somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after the
> >> > problem
> >> > arose.
> >> > I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the registry.
> >> > My
> >> > OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
> >> > Any help would be greatly appreciated
> >> > Joco (London)
> >>
> >>
>
>

Run sfc /scannow.

"Joco" <> wrote in message
news:715B80E2-61EE-4DD7-9049-...
> Bob Hi, thanks for your reply
>
> I have done the following
>
> 1) Removed Norton 360 with the Norton Removal Tool
> 2) Installed the free AVG software, the initial scan has been runing for
> over 3 hours, and so far has only found cookies.
> 3) Activated Defender, then run a full system scan, result "No unwanted or
> Harmful software detected" This scan took over 6 hours
>
> The above actions have not resolved the original problem, I feel this
> problen may be a corrupted registry and / or Windows installer files, but
> have nothing to support this thought, other than installer does not work.
>
> Have you any further suggestions for me to try
>
> Thanks
>
> Joco (London)
>
>
> "Bob" wrote:
>
>>
>> Norton is likely causing your problem.
>> Replace Norton with the free AVG http://free.grisoft.com/ or Avast
>> http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html, and Windows Firewall and
>> Windows
>> Defender. Disabling Norton is not enough. You need to completely
>> uninstall
>> it. If it doesn't solve the problem, get rid of Norton anyway. Norton is
>> known to cause many problems which don’t always appear immediately.
>> Download and run the Norton Removal Tool.
>> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039
>>
>> It's called "360" because Symantec's goal is complete ownership of your
>> computer, and with even less communication about what it's trying to do
>> or
>> ways to configure it than ever before (which would only interfere with
>> its
>> goal.) That, along with Symantec's famous technical support, makes Norton
>> 360 a disaster that I would only install on Granny's computer if she was
>> going to disinherit me.
>>
>> "Joco" <> wrote in message
>> news:00E651B5-00DD-43A3-9D0C-...
>> > Bob thanks for your reply
>> >
>> > I have deleted all the temp files including Java, and then run NoAdware
>> > V5,
>> > Ccleaner V2.23.999 (leaving the registry alone), Norton 360 V3 non of
>> > which
>> > have shown anything to be infected.
>> >
>> > I have looked at the websites mentioned, and followed some of the
>> > procedures
>> > suggested, but still the original problem persists. I have checked the
>> > program files, and can find nothing suspicious.
>> >
>> > Have you any further suggestions?
>> >
>> > Thanks Joco (London)
>> >
>> > "Bob" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of
>> >> these
>> >> Web pages.
>> >> Help with malware:
>> >> All MS-MVP Sites.
>> >> Consider this: Whenever a new error condition appears on your
>> >> computer,
>> >> it
>> >> is almost certain that there was some change to the computer soon
>> >> before
>> >> the
>> >> problem began.
>> >> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
>> >> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
>> >> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
>> >> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
>> >> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>> >> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
>> >> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
>> >> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.php
>> >>
>> >> So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
>> >> For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger
>> >> Plus,
>> >> whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to
>> >> convince
>> >> you that you owe it to the author. See also:
>> >> http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
>> >> Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom
>> >> and
>> >> see
>> >> what else is
>> >> being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure of.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "Joco" <> wrote in message
>> >> news:A32FBBC8-A8FC-4343-BFBC-...
>> >> > Hi,
>> >> > When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error
>> >> > message
>> >> > saying
>> >> > that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
>> >> > I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility, but
>> >> > this
>> >> > does not run.
>> >> > From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run
>> >> > KB942288-v2-x86
>> >> > but
>> >> > receive the following error message "The update does not apply to
>> >> > your
>> >> > system"
>> >> > I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points
>> >> > have
>> >> > somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after
>> >> > the
>> >> > problem
>> >> > arose.
>> >> > I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the
>> >> > registry.
>> >> > My
>> >> > OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
>> >> > Any help would be greatly appreciated
>> >> > Joco (London)
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>

Bob Thanks

The following error message shows when running sfc /scannow.

" Windows cannot find 'sfc/' "

Thanks Joco (London)

"Bob" wrote:

> Run sfc /scannow.
>
> "Joco" <> wrote in message
> news:715B80E2-61EE-4DD7-9049-...
> > Bob Hi, thanks for your reply
> >
> > I have done the following
> >
> > 1) Removed Norton 360 with the Norton Removal Tool
> > 2) Installed the free AVG software, the initial scan has been runing for
> > over 3 hours, and so far has only found cookies.
> > 3) Activated Defender, then run a full system scan, result "No unwanted or
> > Harmful software detected" This scan took over 6 hours
> >
> > The above actions have not resolved the original problem, I feel this
> > problen may be a corrupted registry and / or Windows installer files, but
> > have nothing to support this thought, other than installer does not work.
> >
> > Have you any further suggestions for me to try
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Joco (London)
> >
> >
> > "Bob" wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> Norton is likely causing your problem.
> >> Replace Norton with the free AVG http://free.grisoft.com/ or Avast
> >> http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html, and Windows Firewall and
> >> Windows
> >> Defender. Disabling Norton is not enough. You need to completely
> >> uninstall
> >> it. If it doesn't solve the problem, get rid of Norton anyway. Norton is
> >> known to cause many problems which don’t always appear immediately.
> >> Download and run the Norton Removal Tool.
> >> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039
> >>
> >> It's called "360" because Symantec's goal is complete ownership of your
> >> computer, and with even less communication about what it's trying to do
> >> or
> >> ways to configure it than ever before (which would only interfere with
> >> its
> >> goal.) That, along with Symantec's famous technical support, makes Norton
> >> 360 a disaster that I would only install on Granny's computer if she was
> >> going to disinherit me.
> >>
> >> "Joco" <> wrote in message
> >> news:00E651B5-00DD-43A3-9D0C-...
> >> > Bob thanks for your reply
> >> >
> >> > I have deleted all the temp files including Java, and then run NoAdware
> >> > V5,
> >> > Ccleaner V2.23.999 (leaving the registry alone), Norton 360 V3 non of
> >> > which
> >> > have shown anything to be infected.
> >> >
> >> > I have looked at the websites mentioned, and followed some of the
> >> > procedures
> >> > suggested, but still the original problem persists. I have checked the
> >> > program files, and can find nothing suspicious.
> >> >
> >> > Have you any further suggestions?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks Joco (London)
> >> >
> >> > "Bob" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of
> >> >> these
> >> >> Web pages.
> >> >> Help with malware:
> >> >> All MS-MVP Sites.
> >> >> Consider this: Whenever a new error condition appears on your
> >> >> computer,
> >> >> it
> >> >> is almost certain that there was some change to the computer soon
> >> >> before
> >> >> the
> >> >> problem began.
> >> >> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
> >> >> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
> >> >> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
> >> >> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
> >> >> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> >> >> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
> >> >> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
> >> >> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.php
> >> >>
> >> >> So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
> >> >> For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger
> >> >> Plus,
> >> >> whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to
> >> >> convince
> >> >> you that you owe it to the author. See also:
> >> >> http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
> >> >> Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom
> >> >> and
> >> >> see
> >> >> what else is
> >> >> being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure of.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> "Joco" <> wrote in message
> >> >> news:A32FBBC8-A8FC-4343-BFBC-...
> >> >> > Hi,
> >> >> > When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error
> >> >> > message
> >> >> > saying
> >> >> > that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
> >> >> > I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility, but
> >> >> > this
> >> >> > does not run.
> >> >> > From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run
> >> >> > KB942288-v2-x86
> >> >> > but
> >> >> > receive the following error message "The update does not apply to
> >> >> > your
> >> >> > system"
> >> >> > I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points
> >> >> > have
> >> >> > somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > problem
> >> >> > arose.
> >> >> > I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the
> >> >> > registry.
> >> >> > My
> >> >> > OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
> >> >> > Any help would be greatly appreciated
> >> >> > Joco (London)
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>

"Joco" <> wrote in message news:715B80E2-61EE-4DD7-9049-...
>> >> > Hi,
>> >> > When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error message
>> >> > saying
>> >> > that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
>> >> > I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility, but
>> >> > this
>> >> > does not run.
>> >> > From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run KB942288-v2-x86
>> >> > but
>> >> > receive the following error message "The update does not apply to your
>> >> > system"
>> >> > I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points have
>> >> > somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after the
>> >> > problem
>> >> > arose.
>> >> > I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the registry.
>> >> > My
>> >> > OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
>> >> > Any help would be greatly appreciated
>> >> > Joco (London)
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>

KB942288-v2-x86 is for 32 bit Vista, and the error message you received about
not applying to your system indicates you are running Vista 64 bit, not 32 bit.
Are you sure you are running 32 bit Vista ?

Did you run it from an Administrative Command Prompt?

"Joco" <> wrote in message
news:6B1C8B97-687B-4EC6-B095-...
> Bob Thanks
>
> The following error message shows when running sfc /scannow.
>
> " Windows cannot find 'sfc/' "
>
> Thanks Joco (London)
>
> "Bob" wrote:
>
>> Run sfc /scannow.
>>
>> "Joco" <> wrote in message
>> news:715B80E2-61EE-4DD7-9049-...
>> > Bob Hi, thanks for your reply
>> >
>> > I have done the following
>> >
>> > 1) Removed Norton 360 with the Norton Removal Tool
>> > 2) Installed the free AVG software, the initial scan has been runing
>> > for
>> > over 3 hours, and so far has only found cookies.
>> > 3) Activated Defender, then run a full system scan, result "No unwanted
>> > or
>> > Harmful software detected" This scan took over 6 hours
>> >
>> > The above actions have not resolved the original problem, I feel this
>> > problen may be a corrupted registry and / or Windows installer files,
>> > but
>> > have nothing to support this thought, other than installer does not
>> > work.
>> >
>> > Have you any further suggestions for me to try
>> >
>> > Thanks
>> >
>> > Joco (London)
>> >
>> >
>> > "Bob" wrote:
>> >
>> >>
>> >> Norton is likely causing your problem.
>> >> Replace Norton with the free AVG http://free.grisoft.com/ or Avast
>> >> http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html, and Windows Firewall and
>> >> Windows
>> >> Defender. Disabling Norton is not enough. You need to completely
>> >> uninstall
>> >> it. If it doesn't solve the problem, get rid of Norton anyway. Norton
>> >> is
>> >> known to cause many problems which don’t always appear immediately.
>> >> Download and run the Norton Removal Tool.
>> >> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039
>> >>
>> >> It's called "360" because Symantec's goal is complete ownership of
>> >> your
>> >> computer, and with even less communication about what it's trying to
>> >> do
>> >> or
>> >> ways to configure it than ever before (which would only interfere with
>> >> its
>> >> goal.) That, along with Symantec's famous technical support, makes
>> >> Norton
>> >> 360 a disaster that I would only install on Granny's computer if she
>> >> was
>> >> going to disinherit me.
>> >>
>> >> "Joco" <> wrote in message
>> >> news:00E651B5-00DD-43A3-9D0C-...
>> >> > Bob thanks for your reply
>> >> >
>> >> > I have deleted all the temp files including Java, and then run
>> >> > NoAdware
>> >> > V5,
>> >> > Ccleaner V2.23.999 (leaving the registry alone), Norton 360 V3 non
>> >> > of
>> >> > which
>> >> > have shown anything to be infected.
>> >> >
>> >> > I have looked at the websites mentioned, and followed some of the
>> >> > procedures
>> >> > suggested, but still the original problem persists. I have checked
>> >> > the
>> >> > program files, and can find nothing suspicious.
>> >> >
>> >> > Have you any further suggestions?
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks Joco (London)
>> >> >
>> >> > "Bob" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> these
>> >> >> Web pages.
>> >> >> Help with malware:
>> >> >> All MS-MVP Sites.
>> >> >> Consider this: Whenever a new error condition appears on your
>> >> >> computer,
>> >> >> it
>> >> >> is almost certain that there was some change to the computer soon
>> >> >> before
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> problem began.
>> >> >> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
>> >> >> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
>> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
>> >> >> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
>> >> >> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
>> >> >> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>> >> >> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
>> >> >> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
>> >> >> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.php
>> >> >>
>> >> >> So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
>> >> >> For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger
>> >> >> Plus,
>> >> >> whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to
>> >> >> convince
>> >> >> you that you owe it to the author. See also:
>> >> >> http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
>> >> >> Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> see
>> >> >> what else is
>> >> >> being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure of.
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >> "Joco" <> wrote in message
>> >> >> news:A32FBBC8-A8FC-4343-BFBC-...
>> >> >> > Hi,
>> >> >> > When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error
>> >> >> > message
>> >> >> > saying
>> >> >> > that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
>> >> >> > I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility,
>> >> >> > but
>> >> >> > this
>> >> >> > does not run.
>> >> >> > From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run
>> >> >> > KB942288-v2-x86
>> >> >> > but
>> >> >> > receive the following error message "The update does not apply to
>> >> >> > your
>> >> >> > system"
>> >> >> > I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points
>> >> >> > have
>> >> >> > somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> > problem
>> >> >> > arose.
>> >> >> > I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the
>> >> >> > registry.
>> >> >> > My
>> >> >> > OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
>> >> >> > Any help would be greatly appreciated
>> >> >> > Joco (London)
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>

Dave thanks for your message

I have just checked start>(right click) computer>properties and it shows a
32-bit Operating System

Joco (London)

"Dave-UK" wrote:

>
> "Joco" <> wrote in message news:715B80E2-61EE-4DD7-9049-...
> >> >> > Hi,
> >> >> > When trying to install or remove programs, I receive an error message
> >> >> > saying
> >> >> > that Windows Installer may not be correctly installed.
> >> >> > I have tried to install and run the Microsoft clean up utility, but
> >> >> > this
> >> >> > does not run.
> >> >> > From suggestions on previous posts, I have tried to run KB942288-v2-x86
> >> >> > but
> >> >> > receive the following error message "The update does not apply to your
> >> >> > system"
> >> >> > I am unable to restore my laptop, as all previous restore points have
> >> >> > somehow been removed, I only have one restore point created after the
> >> >> > problem
> >> >> > arose.
> >> >> > I am reluctant to try any software that purports to clean the registry.
> >> >> > My
> >> >> > OS is Vista Home Premium SP1.
> >> >> > Any help would be greatly appreciated
> >> >> > Joco (London)
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
>
> KB942288-v2-x86 is for 32 bit Vista, and the error message you received about
> not applying to your system indicates you are running Vista 64 bit, not 32 bit.
> Are you sure you are running 32 bit Vista ?
>
>
>