windows installer popup when trying to search the PC???

blaze78322

When a user tries to run a search on his PC (start, search for files or folders) the window pops up where you can select your search options but a second later a windows installer box pops up. It has the message preparing to install but the screen freezes a few seconds later and you have to cntrl-alt-delete and end the task. I have no idea what it is trying to install through the search options window :S I have tried scanning the PC with spy sweeper but it still comes up with the installer window when you attempt a search.. any suggestions???

duckduckduck

Have you tried the MS knowledge base yet?

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555175

crabeater

You don't mention what OS or version you are using, but since Windows installer is constantly monitoring the startup of every program installed by it, then the link given may help.

You could try SFC (system file checker) to verify the checksums of the system file - maybe it can install what you need.

If not, you could try a re-install of the OS (use winnt32 /unattend so you don't loose any documents or settings).