Vista suddenly stopped running installation programs

SeraphHell · 11-19-2008, 04:36 PM

Well, like the title says above, my Vista suddenly won't open or run any installation software.

This problem happened around October 9th. I went to Chicago for a few days, and while staying there, I received a phone call from my younger sister who told me that my father was messing with my computer.

My Vista was running totally fine before I left, no problems whatsoever. When I came home, I logged on my computer, like I normally would, but when I got to my desktop, it looked exactly like it just came out of the box. All my desktop icons were gone, background to the default, and the majority of my programs were missing.
A notice popped up saying that C++ crashed or something (I wish I got a screenshot of the other notices that popped up along with that one).

I had no idea what my dad did to my computer but I was pissed off. Soon, I did a system restore, the day before I left for Chicago.

Everything was back to normal but Vista would no longer allow me to open up and run installation programs. I've tried looking for other installation programs (I think it was called Installation Wizard or something, I'm not really sure).

Just recently I downloaded Windows Installer.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
The only that actually installed was the Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x64.msu file. (I'm not really that computer smart >_>) It installed, told me to reboot my computer, and so I did. I still wasn't able to run installation programs, and I have no idea what to do anymore.
Any ideas to help me?

My computer specs are -
Windows Vista Home Premium
Compaq Presario SR5130NX
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+ 2.00 GHz
1408 MB RAM
32-bit Operating System

Is there any more information that I need to list to help specify my problem? Sorry for leaving anything out.

telwat · 11-20-2008, 08:35 AM

I think tou need this one: x86 Platform: Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x86.msu

SeraphHell · 11-20-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telwat

I think tou need this one: x86 Platform: Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x86.msu

I tried downloading it, but it says I need a certain application to open it. >_>

telwat · 11-20-2008, 03:07 PM

Do you get any message when you try to install something?

SeraphHell · 11-20-2008, 03:35 PM

Just one, it says that I need an application to install it.

telwat · 11-21-2008, 02:52 PM

You get a different error message but still try the solutions in here and if that thosen't solve the problem try a startup repair.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555175#top

keezel · 11-21-2008, 03:27 PM

Try running Hijackthis and posting the log. You might also have some luck with CCleaner or Registry Mechanic. You may also have to run an OS repair from the installation disc. System restore is not true to its name....it does not reverse all changes and all installed programs prior to that date. It was originally for rolling back system device drivers to a state prior to the installation of new hardware, but that's largely useless now.

SeraphHell · 11-22-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keezel

Try running Hijackthis and posting the log. You might also have some luck with CCleaner or Registry Mechanic. You may also have to run an OS repair from the installation disc. System restore is not true to its name....it does not reverse all changes and all installed programs prior to that date. It was originally for rolling back system device drivers to a state prior to the installation of new hardware, but that's largely useless now.

I cannot open .exe files. It keeps saying that the application to open the .exe files are missing.

11-19-2008, 04:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
SeraphHell Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4 OS: Vista	Vista suddenly stopped running installation programs Well, like the title says above, my Vista suddenly won't open or run any installation software. This problem happened around October 9th. I went to Chicago for a few days, and while staying there, I received a phone call from my younger sister who told me that my father was messing with my computer. My Vista was running totally fine before I left, no problems whatsoever. When I came home, I logged on my computer, like I normally would, but when I got to my desktop, it looked exactly like it just came out of the box. All my desktop icons were gone, background to the default, and the majority of my programs were missing. A notice popped up saying that C++ crashed or something (I wish I got a screenshot of the other notices that popped up along with that one). I had no idea what my dad did to my computer but I was pissed off. Soon, I did a system restore, the day before I left for Chicago. Everything was back to normal but Vista would no longer allow me to open up and run installation programs. I've tried looking for other installation programs (I think it was called Installation Wizard or something, I'm not really sure). Just recently I downloaded Windows Installer. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en The only that actually installed was the Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x64.msu file. (I'm not really that computer smart >_>) It installed, told me to reboot my computer, and so I did. I still wasn't able to run installation programs, and I have no idea what to do anymore. Any ideas to help me? My computer specs are - Windows Vista Home Premium Compaq Presario SR5130NX AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+ 2.00 GHz 1408 MB RAM 32-bit Operating System Is there any more information that I need to list to help specify my problem? Sorry for leaving anything out.

11-20-2008, 08:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
telwat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 67 OS: win vista hp sp1	Re: Vista suddenly stopped running installation programs I think tou need this one: x86 Platform: Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x86.msu

11-20-2008, 03:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
telwat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 67 OS: win vista hp sp1	Re: Vista suddenly stopped running installation programs Do you get any message when you try to install something?

11-20-2008, 03:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
SeraphHell Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4 OS: Vista	Re: Vista suddenly stopped running installation programs Just one, it says that I need an application to install it. Last edited by SeraphHell; 11-20-2008 at 03:37 PM.

11-21-2008, 02:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
telwat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 67 OS: win vista hp sp1	Re: Vista suddenly stopped running installation programs You get a different error message but still try the solutions in here and if that thosen't solve the problem try a startup repair. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555175#top

11-21-2008, 03:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
keezel Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Atlanta Posts: 11 OS: Ubuntu (Intrepid Ibex); XP	Re: Vista suddenly stopped running installation programs Try running Hijackthis and posting the log. You might also have some luck with CCleaner or Registry Mechanic. You may also have to run an OS repair from the installation disc. System restore is not true to its name....it does not reverse all changes and all installed programs prior to that date. It was originally for rolling back system device drivers to a state prior to the installation of new hardware, but that's largely useless now.