Hi guys, I also have this problem where anytime I try to run a program like AIM, IE, AOL, Games, etc I get the preparing to install dialog. However, when I try to run WordXP, I get this problem and then the program doesn't eventually run like the previously mentioned programs, instead I get an error that reads "This patch package could not be opened. Verify that the package exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a Windows Installer patch package." When I try running the Office XP setup then in order to maybe reinstall and fix things, I get the same error in a different looking window. Anyone got any suggestions, I just need a workaround to use Word to write my college papers, please help me, thanks. I have a question about Windows Installer Appears Every Time I Start an Application:

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

You may find the answer in this earlier post


On Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 8:58 pm, Fady wrote:
>Hi guys, I also have this problem where anytime I try to run a program like AIM,
>IE, AOL, Games, etc I get the preparing to install dialog. However, when I try to
>run WordXP, I get this problem and then the program doesn't eventually run like the
>previously mentioned programs, instead I get an error that reads "This patch package
>could not be opened. Verify that the package exists and that you can access it, or
>contact the application vendor to verify that this is a Windows Installer patch package."
>When I try running the Office XP setup then in order to maybe reinstall and fix things,
>I get the same error in a different looking window. Anyone got any suggestions, I
>just need a workaround to use Word to write my college papers, please help me, thanks.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>I have a question about Windows
>Installer Appears Every Time I Start an Application:

>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Try this to zap the Office XP and reinstall it. Check this tip first so you get the registry key number to supress (the number is 9040820900063D11C8EF00054038389C ) #6309 at http://www.jsiinc.com/subm/tip6300/rh6309.htm in regard to Plus! I went to the reg key suggested and "Renamed" it thereby cancelling it out. Then, I went to the Office XP CD and started up the install. Here's the little trick to get Office XP to install/reinstall in the drive location you want. The "Install To" box was defaulted to "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office" and, it was greyed out. Did a "Custom" install and seleted only one of the Office XP apps. (i.e. Excel) that's small. The install goes perfectly and zaps the icons for any previously installed instances of Office XP. Then, "Remove" Office XP by using the Office XP CD, which now works correctly. Then, "Install" Office XP fully from the Office XP CD; the "Install To" box works and all normal install features are available. You will be asked to submit your license key again at the final install. This final install will place Office XP where you want it and, put all your original icons back. Rgds


On Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 9:49 pm, Bob wrote:
>You may find the
>answer in this earlier post
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I get the same message and can't reinstall, remove or nothing. Any help out there?


On Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 8:58 pm, Fady wrote:
>Hi guys, I also have this problem where anytime I try to run a program like AIM,
>IE, AOL, Games, etc I get the preparing to install dialog. However, when I try to
>run WordXP, I get this problem and then the program doesn't eventually run like the
>previously mentioned programs, instead I get an error that reads "This patch package
>could not be opened. Verify that the package exists and that you can access it, or
>contact the application vendor to verify that this is a Windows Installer patch package."
>When I try running the Office XP setup then in order to maybe reinstall and fix things,
>I get the same error in a different looking window. Anyone got any suggestions, I
>just need a workaround to use Word to write my college papers, please help me, thanks.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>I have a question about Windows
>Installer Appears Every Time I Start an Application:

>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Careful with the Installer key - it is different for different versions of Office.

You're better off going to Add/Remove Programs and carefully note the description 
of Microsoft Office that you have installed.  Then, run Regedit from your Start>Run 
command, search the Registry for that name and when a key is identified in this path:
"My Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\" 
rename the key (I added the word REMOVED in front of the key).

Of course, to be safe, save the Registry before making any modifications, and if 
you're unconfident of your registry editing ability, set a System Restore point prior 
to editing the registry.






On Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 5:04 pm, Daniel Erlenbusch wrote:
>I get the same message and can't reinstall, remove or nothing. Any help out there?
>
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Excellent tip. I look at the registry and there were a few entries in the product. By looking inside the media folder, you will be able to identify which belongs to OfficeXP. I just renamed the key as you mentioned by putting REMOVED in front and it works!!!


On Friday, May 30, 2003 at 2:06 am, Eric wrote:

>Careful with the Installer key - it is different for different versions of Office.
>
>You're better off going to Add/Remove Programs and carefully note the description 
>of Microsoft Office that you have installed.  Then, run Regedit from your Start>Run 
>command, search the Registry for that name and when a key is identified in this 
path:
>"My Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\" 
>rename the key (I added the word REMOVED in front of the key).
>
>Of course, to be safe, save the Registry before making any modifications, and if 
>you're unconfident of your registry editing ability, set a System Restore point 
prior 
>to editing the registry.
>
>


[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Hello, I read the answer of this topic because I have the same problem but I don't understand much about this. I cannot understand the instructions how to fix the problem. Can someone explain it detailed and simple step by step please. I will be very thankful...


On Monday, June 30, 2003 at 6:18 pm, braincandy wrote:
>
>Excellent tip. I look at the registry and there were a few entries in the product.
>By looking inside the media folder, you will be able to identify which belongs to
>OfficeXP. I just renamed the key as you mentioned by putting REMOVED in front and
>it works!!!
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I had the same problem and the Microsoft 
Knowledge Base article  295823 offers no help to those of us with Version 2.0 
Installer or later.
I also get the message "Microsoft Outlook is not installed for the current user" 
when I try to open Outlook 2002.  Are these problems linked or related or are there 
two different solutions?  (and what the heck are they?)






On Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 4:40 pm, Vicky wrote:
>Hello, I read the answer of this topic because I have the same problem but I don't 
>understand much about this. I cannot understand the instructions how to fix the 
problem. 
>Can someone explain it detailed and simple step by step please. I will be very thankful...
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I can't follow Knowledge Base article 295823 which refers to using the msicuu2.exe Installer Cleanup Utility to solve the problems referred to here. I can't install msicuu2.exe because I get "Error 1500. Another installation is in progress". No other installation is in progress, I have re-booted n times, I have swept for viruses and spyware, I have followed the tips in the MS kb for manually removing particular keys. I do not have a registry key at HKEY_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Installer\InProgress. kb article 236456 says of "Error 1500. Another installation is in progress" that "Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was corrected in Microsoft Office 2000 SR-1/SR-1a" Was it? What else is there to do? John Burton


On Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 6:36 am, Josh G wrote:

>I had the same problem and the Microsoft 
>Knowledge Base article  295823 offers no help to those of us with Version 2.0 
>Installer or later.
>I also get the message "Microsoft Outlook is not installed for the current user" 
>when I try to open Outlook 2002.  Are these problems linked or related or are there 
>two different solutions?  (and what the heck are they?)
>
>
 
[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I've had this problem ever since I upgraded from ME to XP Home (I run Office 2000). The download in article 295823 did not work in my case. A buddy who's a certified MS tech said once ME is in the registry, you will always have these problems with Installer, and the only way to get rid of this problem is to do a clean install of XP (wipe out the registry). I can Use Office programs while logged on as administrator, but if I attempt to open an Office program as a guest or other user, I get the "This patch package could not be opened..." message. I'm almost at the point to do a format and clean install of XP.


On Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 3:00 pm, John Burton wrote:
>
>I can't follow Knowledge Base article 295823 which refers to using the msicuu2.exe
>Installer Cleanup Utility to solve the problems referred to here. I can't install
>msicuu2.exe because I get "Error 1500. Another installation is in progress".
>
>No other installation is in progress, I have re-booted n times, I have swept for
>viruses and spyware, I have followed the tips in the MS kb for manually removing
>particular keys.
>
>I do not have a registry key at HKEY_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Installer\InProgress.
>
>kb article 236456 says of "Error 1500. Another installation is in progress" that
>"Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are
>listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was corrected in Microsoft
>Office 2000 SR-1/SR-1a"
>
>Was it? What else is there to do?
>
>John Burton
>
>
>
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Vicky - I know it's 10 months since you posted this, but others may find this reply useful... Having opened Regedit and navigated to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products you should see several registry 'keys' which will be long alphanumeric strings (about 32 characters in length), e.g. 017DB44EA17B3d11F9970006808AE88C Click on each of these in turn to see what application they relate to. The righthand side of the Registry editor will display the product name. When you find, in my case, MS Office XP Pro with Frontpage, you have the right key. Now, with the 32 character code highlighted, right mouse click and select 'Rename'. Add the word 'REMOVED' to the beginning of the string (not sure whether the word you use matters). That's it! It worked for me. No more 'Preparing to Install' messages every time I launch Excel (although one flashes up for a fraction of a second) - it launches fine, even from selecting an xls file in Windows Explorer. Word of advice: before editing the registry, I suggest you right mouse click the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products node and select "Export". This will save the current registry settings for this node and its children to a .reg file. This will be useful if you need to restore the old registry settings.


On Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 4:40 pm, Vicky wrote:
>Hello, I read the answer of this topic because I have the same problem but I don't
>understand much about this. I cannot understand the instructions how to fix the problem.
>Can someone explain it detailed and simple step by step please. I will be very thankful...
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thanks. This last, step by step, explanation worked perfectly!


On Friday, August 13, 2004 at 1:45 am, Phill Robinson-Welsh wrote:
>Vicky - I know it's 10 months since you posted this, but others may find this reply
>useful...
>Having opened Regedit and navigated to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products you should
>see several registry 'keys' which will be long alphanumeric strings (about 32 characters
>in length), e.g. 017DB44EA17B3d11F9970006808AE88C
>
>Click on each of these in turn to see what application they relate to. The righthand
>side of the Registry editor will display the product name. When you find, in my case,
>MS Office XP Pro with Frontpage, you have the right key. Now, with the 32 character
>code highlighted, right mouse click and select 'Rename'. Add the word 'REMOVED' to
>the beginning of the string (not sure whether the word you use matters). That's
>it! It worked for me. No more 'Preparing to Install' messages every time I launch
>Excel (although one flashes up for a fraction of a second) - it launches fine, even
>from selecting an xls file in Windows Explorer.
>
>Word of advice: before editing the registry, I suggest you right mouse click the
>HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products node and select "Export". This will save the
>current registry settings for this node and its children to a .reg file. This will
>be useful if you need to restore the old registry settings.
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

One way to get rid off this kind of problem is to remove the folder C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Office10 (or what version you use). Office will then reinstall this files from you CD. //Borpe

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Windows Installer appears every time I open My Documents or the Search routine with XP. The Installer freezes my computer and is very frustrating! Any suggestions?


On Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 9:49 pm, Bob wrote:
>You may find the
>answer in this earlier post
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I just wanted to note that this step-by-step explanation worked for me, too. Also, to clarify one thing, it's the registry "folder" with the 32 digit name that you want to rename, not any of the keys or values inside that folder. Peace.


On Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 7:09 pm, David wrote:
>Thanks. This last, step by step, explanation worked perfectly!
>
>


On Friday, August 13, 2004 at 1:45 am, Phill Robinson-Welsh wrote:
>Vicky - I know it's 10 months since you posted this, but others may find this reply
>useful...
>Having opened Regedit and navigated to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products you should
>see several registry 'keys' which will be long alphanumeric strings (about 32 characters
>in length), e.g. 017DB44EA17B3d11F9970006808AE88C
>
>Click on each of these in turn to see what application they relate to. The righthand
>side of the Registry editor will display the product name. When you find, in my case,
>MS Office XP Pro with Frontpage, you have the right key. Now, with the 32 character
>code highlighted, right mouse click and select 'Rename'. Add the word 'REMOVED' to
>the beginning of the string (not sure whether the word you use matters). That's
>it! It worked for me. No more 'Preparing to Install' messages every time I launch
>Excel (although one flashes up for a fraction of a second) - it launches fine, even
>from selecting an xls file in Windows Explorer.
>
>Word of advice: before editing the registry, I suggest you right mouse click the
>HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products node and select "Export". This will save the
>current registry settings for this node and its children to a .reg file. This will
>be useful if you need to restore the old registry settings.
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I renamed the folder but it didn't stop the installer popup problem. Is it possible that I chose the wrong folder to rename? Would there be a problem if I renamed a few other folders? I guess I need to know how do I determine which application the Installer is related to? That would make it easier to troubleshoot and correct. Thanks. Steve


On Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 1:03 pm, Brian LaLonde wrote:
>I just wanted to note that this step-by-step explanation worked for me, too.
>
>Also, to clarify one thing, it's the registry "folder" with the 32 digit name that
>you want to rename, not any of the keys or values inside that folder.
>
>Peace.
>
>
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

In my case the installer was prompted by corel 12. I renamed the entire corel 12 folder in the registry. HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > COREL. I renamed the Corel key, and the problem was solved. I however reinstalled corel 12, and deleted ther previous corel key. ETuk, Nigeria

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thank you for this information! You saved my "life"! Marion :)


On Friday, May 30, 2003 at 2:06 am, Eric wrote:
>
>Careful with the Installer key - it is different for different versions of Office.
>
>You're better off going to Add/Remove Programs and carefully note the description
>of Microsoft Office that you have installed. Then, run Regedit from your Start>Run
>command, search the Registry for that name and when a key is identified in this path:
>"My Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\"
>rename the key (I added the word REMOVED in front of the key).
>
>Of course, to be safe, save the Registry before making any modifications, and if
>you're unconfident of your registry editing ability, set a System Restore point prior
>to editing the registry.
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

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