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Why do I get "Window Installer, Preparing to install" each time I boot Windows?

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Summary: If you get the "Window Installer, Preparing to install" each time you boot Windows, there are a couple of resources to check out.

Why do I get "Window Installer, Preparing to install" each time I boot Windows?

In a nutshell, it depends. Typically it's an artifact from a previous install that didn't complete. But there are a couple of resources that might help:

How do I stop Windows Installer from loading? is a thread out on the Annoyances.org discussion board that covers the topic. Windows Installer Appears Every Time I Start an Application is a related article, also on Annoyances.org.

Article C2094 - July 3, 2004

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Recent Comments
46 Comments

When the POP-UP appears - don't close/cancel, open the task manager>>processes then find the MSI.EXE; right click and choose END PROCESS TREE. i hope it'll work for you..

Posted by: omey@helpdesk at January 31, 2010 2:01 PM

This can also result due to the .doc "open" command. Open File Explorer, select the Tools tab, select Folder Options, select the File Types tab, scroll down to ".doc", click the Advanced button, select "Open" and edit, uncheck "Use DDE" and make sure the command line for "Application used to perform action" ends with "%1". This works whenever this problem with MS Word comes back!

Posted by: Suz at February 13, 2010 11:21 AM

do this for .docx too

Posted by: Suzanne at February 13, 2010 11:22 AM

Tried to remove flashing window with Task Manager and delete msi.exe (right clicking on Process Tree), but it did NOT work. HELP! Have tried Task Manager and it worked before but must have used a deleted a different name (not msi.exe). Do you know what other to try ?? Thanks.

Posted by: sera at May 18, 2010 6:18 PM

i was suffering with the same since last 3 days, i look a few article, i do the same but no result same condition, than i try the following myself and troubleshoot the problem. this is only for the purpose may be someone get benefit by it through your good and helpful site.i try the following

Windows installer Pop up every time when I open file or folder:
(Windows XP 32 bit)
There are some simple steps you can perform and check which program is not installed properly or with corrupted installation:

1 Right click start menu, properties, classic menu, display administrative tools, Click ok and close the property box.
(Or if you are already using classic menu, click programs, administrative tools and then event viewer)
Now click start menu again than, programs, administrative tools and then event viewer.

(Or if you are already using classic menu, click programs, administrative tools and then event viewer)

Under the event viewer click application and than on the right side window check which program (installer) is showing errors once you trace the program. you got that. Only install or uninstall the program.

You are done—enjoy

Posted by: zulfiqar ali at May 31, 2010 5:00 AM

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