Windows Installer error 1601

Windows Installer error 1601 and msiexec.exe cannot be started

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Start Windows Installer Service manually
Under Windows XP Professional
Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services -> Windows Installer -> right click and choose "Start"

Under Windows XP Home
If XP Home doesn't have "Services" in its Control Panel, try typing "Services.msc" at the run or command

Try to install your desired program

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Make sure that your system has up-to-date system files
start -> Run... -> cmd -> sfc /scannow

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You may not have a right permission on your Windows XP as an administrator. Even though your account type appears as Computer Administrator in User Accounts under Control Panel, you may not have full permission of Computer Administrator. To have full control on Windows Installer, your account must be an administrator. To do that,

0. re-register Windows Installer Service

• start -> Run... -> cmd -> msiexec.exe /unregister
• msiexec.exe /regserver

1. open registry editor

start -> Run... -> regedit

2. Click the following registry hive: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
3. On the Edit menu, click Permissions
4. Change your account type to be an administrator

Click Advanced button -> Select Owner tab -> double click your account name to get ownership on your computer -> OK -> Apply

5. cmd -> Services.msc -> Windows Installer -> Properties -> "Log On" tab -> check "allow service to interact with desktop" -> "General" tab -> Change "startup type" to automatic -> ok


5. Restart the computer

6. If SYSTEM is not listed in the Group or user names list,

• click Add, make sure that the local computer name appears in the From this location box
• -> type system in the Enter the object names to select box, click Check Names, and then click OK
• -> click SYSTEM in the Group or user names list
• -> select the Full Control check box under allow in the Permissions for SYSTEM box
• -> Apply,
• -> OK
• -> quit Registry Editor
• -> Restart the computer

Reference: http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/1059790283