windows installer service could not be accessed" error message when you install

I get this message when trying to install printer driver and software . The windows installer service could not be accessed. This can occur if you are running windows in safe mode, or if the windows installer is not correctly installed. I tried installing the updated version windows installer 3.1 and no luck. I have an hp 5610 all in one printer scanner and 3/4 through with the installation disk i get access denied and it deletes all the files. My hp multi- media desk top had hp preloaded softwar, I can't delete and reinstall because the windows installer won't work any suggestions would be appreciated