Ultimate dummy ignorant noob here. I am not a technical person, I practically know nothing about computers in general.

My computer is a Compaq Presario 1255. Information: http://www.ciao.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_1255__5376018

It is my primary computer.

Although it is an older laptop, it is a very fast computer. Windows XP Home Edition is my Operating System on it and it runs just fine, very smooth, very fast, no errors, bugs, or glitches.

I have never had Microsoft Office on my machine before and I do not have it now. So this is not an Office-related issue.

The problem does not cause the OS to stop working. It is a progam that came with the OS, not the OS itself. It is Windows Installer Service. The exact error message is:

The Windows 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. Contact your support personnel for assistance.

What is this "support personnel" that it so speaks of?

My computer is not in safe mode. If this program is corrupted then I do not know how to fix it.

Keep in mind I do not have Microsoft Office installed on my machine.

I read and tried this page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315353

Because I am not a technical person I did not understand many of the terms Microsoft was using on their technical support pages. For example, I do not know what HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT is. I wish they would speak in clear English.

I'm not sure that they could make that knowledge base article any clearer. They are using plain English but inevitably when you are dealing with something as complicated as the Windows registry, there is a limit to how far one can simplify the concepts.

There is another KB that applies as well:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315346

but to be honest, if you can't follow the first, you won't follow that either.

In essence, part of your Windows installation is damaged. The two articles suggest steps that might be taken to try and correct it. But they do require a certain amount of thinking through of technical information. If that doesn't appeal then you are left with two options:

1. Get a professional in to look at it. I'm sure you will find PC repair guys advertising in the local papers.

OR

2. Back up your data and reinstall Windows. How easy that is, however depends on what discs they gave you with the PC.

My personal feeling is that given how uncomfortable you are with the language in the KB articles, that your best bet would be to get a professional to help.

there might be a work around to fix this .
reinstall IE6 (IE6Setup.ex) from a free isp Cd or Cover disk magazine VD or /DVD .
it tends to replace the corrupt installer by a good copy.

i remember few years ago it resolved an install prob when i was in
Computing repair .
it is worth a try and does not involve skill .
you might need to explore the Cd and then double click on the icon called IE6setup.exe

Regards Ben

Thank you so much for the post. It's really useful.



pret personnel