Tirnanog

I am running XP and Office 2003 with service pack 3 - every now and then when I either start the computer or start word the installing office box appears and starts installing office components- this has been going on for months - has anyone else had this problem - how can I stop it

Thanks

simpswr

Try the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility . . . http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

Tirnanog

Hi Thanks for replying - I did uninstall and used the tool you mention to clean the registry out and did a clean install of office but after a short while it starts installing dialogue again - just as it does if you chose the repair option in word or excel

simpswr

You might uninstall and then reinstall Office

Tirnanog

done that every month for the last 4 months - driving me nuts - others seem to have the same problem if they uninstall 2003 and install 2007 office without a good clean out but I am just using office 2003 but cannot find a cure

workinonit

Hi I am having the same problem. I didn't start happening until I tried to run a windows/office update and the genuine advantage thing said that my system was not up to standard. I bought it second hand so I am not sure what to do about that because I got no disk with the pc.
I have my own XP disk however (from an older system) so could do a wipe and reinstall if that would fix the problem -- or would it be better to reinstall office.
thanx

workinonit

btw~ sorry for the double post but I forgot to mention that I had been told to do a search for a "normal.dot" file and remove it then once it was opened again it would reinstall that file without the corruption. I did find that file but it would not let me install it saying it was being used by another user. This seems to be linked but wanted to throw it in here for review by the experts.
thanx again.

simpswr

You may have to delete normal.dot in safe mode . . Word will create a new one next time you open it.

Tirnanog

I am still getting the problem. I installed a security extension on my main machine [XP Home] so that I could enable permissions though I am the only user - as someone said that caused the issue. I am running basic office 2003 no service packs - I was wondering whether those caused a crash.

I removed WGA when I did a clean install I did not let it get activated. I get my updates elsewhere just the urgent security one's - [just google you will find the site easily] - My system is genuine but I do not want Microsoft putting stuff on my machine that I cannot get rid of. I don't think a clean install will help with the office issue unless you want to get rid of WGA.

I keep a working Image - if I have to go on to Microsoft I download what I want and if I get infected with WGA I take the image back prior to installing - it takes 5 mins

I will try normal dot tip but I don't think that is causing it

simpswr

Foolish . . and likely the cause of your problems

workinonit

The normal.dot didn't work for me either -- weirdly enough it fixed a problem I was having with an external hard drive!
I have not had time to read this but I found an article on missing msi files.
When my reinstall box pops up it states something about this when it trys to reinstall so I thought I would throw it out there to you.
Microsoft office online if you search locate a missing msi file you can read it if you find that it helps let me know I won't get to it for another week or so. I am not sure if the thread allows a link but this should work easily.

Tirnanog

I think not as I have Sp2 on plus all subsequent security add ons that are important - if you trust Microsoft to tell you what you need prior to SP3 post Beta that is up to you - the problem is a well known a and occurs also for people who just use Microsoft site for updates

Tirnanog

I was looking at 'services settings’ today and found this 'Office Source Engine' it was 'implemented starting with Microsoft Office 2003 to provide support for installing, updating and repairing Office. When an installation of Office occurs this service copies the installation files to the local hard-drive to provide quicker access times from the installation' Mine was on manual I have put my setting on automatic - may make a difference – we will see

simpswr

Pure nonsense . . getting Windows updates from anywhere othet than Micrfosoft is asking for problems . . which you seem to be having!

Manual should be enough, but Automatic won't hurt.

You might try uninstalling Office, then reinstall it . . and get all updates for Office from Microsoft.

workinonit

Great let me know if that makes a difference and I can take a look as well but you might have to draw me a road map!

Tirnanog

If you read the thread you would see that I have installed office and reinstalled it many times on its own and with SP 2 and SP3 neither permutation make an iota of difference and as I have already stated the problem is well known and many people far more qualified that I cannot solve it. Just check the internet. As for the downloads they are all Microsoft security patches with the gross and those known to cause problems weeded out. Your enthusiasm for Bill Gates is touching maybe you work for them and the issues with Office is nothing to do with what I have or have not on the computer - it is purely sloppy customer care which is typical of Microsoft or else the problem would not be so wide spread. I like many others have an aversion to Microsoft putting spyware on my computer I will go open office first – the computer is clean safe virus and spyware free and I intend it to stay that way.
‘Workoni you will find serves under administrative tools / computer management / services and application. Please note very good guide called ‘Services Guide for Windows XP’ which gives you default settings and what he recommends – I made a careful note of those I changed – please do the same !!

Tirnanog

here is a sample from the net regarding office 2007:_

I recently been having this problem since last week since installing office 07. Whenever i try to open word or excel, windows vista always reconfigures/reinstalls it automatically, even thought its already install.
I also noticed that the same thing happens when I start msn messenger.


I am getting the same thing, but just with Outlook. Brand new laptop, Vista, Office 2007, complete install. My user id has all the administrator rights etc.


You're not the only one...I'm running on a clean install of Vista Ultimate, and my Office apps, and MSN Live are doing the same thing, everytime on a clean start of Windows.



'The problem the OP is reporting is due to a corrupt Application install and I have also seen this before. Only way I have managed to get around this problem is to create a new user account and move all documents manually to that account and delete the old one. I do not know the reason behind this, other than there is something in the Profile for the old account that is corrupted. It is a crappy problem to have and does not seem to be well documented or even acknowledged by MS.'

Maybe end comment is the answer but I have done a complete reformat and clean install and that idnot cure the problem

simpswr

Clearly you know more about everything than I do . . I'll bow out

simpswr

Yep . .

workinonit

I am not sure what you problem is but we are just trying to problem solve and discuss things like adults so if you can't do that please do blow out.
If you have something to add that is fine also but it doesn't mean anyone knows more than anyone else...please.