Windows Installer BSODs invariably on 98SE - How can I reinstall it? \ VOGONS

Windows Installer BSODs invariably on 98SE - How can I reinstall it?

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First post, by Queen K Juul

Posted on 2024-10-23, 05:31

Queen K Juul Offline

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Sorry if this is the wrong forum.

Lately, any time Windows Installer initializes on my 98SE rig, the entire machine BSODs. I can consistently reproduce it.

When I try to run the Windows Installer setup exe, instmsia.exe, it just says "service already installed" so I can't re-install it. It isn't listed in Windows components in the Add/Remove control panel either.

Any ideas? I am dreading the idea of reinstalling 98 from scratch, I have a lot of peripherals and stuff set up, and tons of games installed. Maybe I can do a "repair install" of 98SE on top of itself? Or maybe I can manually remove the MSI files and get the installer to run again?

Absolute worst case I can restore a backup from a few months ago. I know I've made a couple hardware changes since then so I'd prefer to not to have to do that if possible.

Reply 1 of 7, by Queen K Juul

Posted on 2024-10-23, 05:35

Queen K Juul Offline

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Also - not seeing how to edit my post - for clarity, this is the MSI installer program "Windows Installer" which handles MSI packages - it's not Windows Setup trying to install 98 in the first place, this is a long-running installation that worked smoothly until recently.

Reply 2 of 7, by Harry Potter

Posted on 2024-10-23, 12:03

Harry Potter Offline

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Well...a long time ago, I had a similar problem. I was told to delete the contents of the Windows folder but not its subfolders then reinstall Windows. It worked for me. 😀

Joseph Rose, a.k.a. Harry Potter
Working magic in the computer community

Reply 3 of 7, by Harry Potter

Posted on 2024-10-23, 12:05

Harry Potter Offline

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BTW, try the pencil icon to edit a post. 😀

Joseph Rose, a.k.a. Harry Potter
Working magic in the computer community

Reply 4 of 7, by Queen K Juul

Posted on 2024-10-23, 13:29

Queen K Juul Offline

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Harry Potter wrote on 2024-10-23, 12:05:

BTW, try the pencil icon to edit a post. 😀

I truly do not see one 🤣 oh well

I've tried going back to my most-distant-but-still-convenient backup (using IDE2SD to easy to swap around) but no dice. Any farther back and i'll have to reinstall a bunch of other drivers and programs and stuff so hmm

thank god for the IDE2SD though, I will be able to try your theory without fear of losing anything (besides time, of course)

Reply 5 of 7, by Harry Potter

Posted on 2024-10-23, 13:47

Harry Potter Offline

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It's the icon just to the left of the quote at the upper-right of a post. I'm glad you're trying my suggestion. 😀

Joseph Rose, a.k.a. Harry Potter
Working magic in the computer community

Reply 6 of 7, by Queen K Juul

Posted on 2024-10-23, 14:06

Queen K Juul Offline

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Harry Potter wrote on 2024-10-23, 13:47:

It's the icon just to the left of the quote at the upper-right of a post. I'm glad you're trying my suggestion. 😀

idk what to tell ya:

Reply 7 of 7, by Harry Potter

Posted on 2024-10-23, 14:22

Harry Potter Offline

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Rank: Oldbie
Posts: 986
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Location: New York, U.S.

Well...it's there on my browser.... (?)

Joseph Rose, a.k.a. Harry Potter
Working magic in the computer community

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