Access Denied with Windows Installer 3.1

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Introduction

Quite a few people seem to be having this problem. You install Windows XP Professional from scratch or as an upgrade, then go to Microsoft Update to get all the latest patches, etc. Microsoft tells you that you need to install Windows Installer 3.1 before you can get any other updates, and gives you the option to do so. But, after the on-line installation runs, you get an error and the install fails. Or, you try downloading the update from http://www.microsoft.com/... and running it locally. When you do so, you get an "Access Denied" error, the install rolls back, and you are told that Windows Installer might be in an unstable state. You also have to reboot.

Well, here's the solution to the problem. I don't know who first figured this out or posted it, but it wasn't me. It worked for me and for others, but you assume all risks in trying it, naturally. I've cleaned it up from the format I found it in, so it's easier to follow. It really is quite simple.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Download WindowsInstaller-KB893803-v2-x86.exe from the link above. That's direct from Microsoft, by the way.
Turn off Automatic Updates in Control Panel.
Make sure the Windows XP CD isn't in your CD/DVD drive.
Go to C:\Windows\System32\dllcache\ (or the equivalent on your PC) and delete the following three files:
- msi.dll
- msihnd.dll
- msiexec.exe
Go to C:\Windows\System32\ (or the equivalent on your PC) and rename the following three files as shown:
- rename msi.dll to msi.old
- rename msihnd.dll to msihnd.old
- rename msiexec.exe to msiexec.old
After you rename each file, you will get a warning from Windows that a necessary file has been replaced, and you will be prompted to insert the Windows XP CD so it can be restored. Click the "Cancel" button on this dialog, and do not insert your CD. Another dialog will appear asking if you want to keep the new file. Answer "Yes" to that dialog.
Restart your computer. You may get error messages from various programs, such as your anti-virus and firewall programs, saying that msi.dll is missing. Just click the "OK" button on these errors.
Run the Windows 3.1 v2 installer you downloaded in Step 1. It should install fine with no errors.
Restart your computer. You may again get error messages from various programs, such as your anti-virus and firewall programs, saying that msi.dll is missing. Just click the "OK" button on these errors.
Go to C:\Windows\System32\ (or the equivalent on your PC) and rename the following three files as shown:
- rename msi.old to msi.dll
- rename msihnd.old to msihnd.dll
- rename msiexec.old to msiexec.exe
Restart your computer.
Go to Microsoft Update. It will tell you that you need to install Windows Installer 3.1, and give you the option to install it on-line. Do so. When the installation completes, it will say it has failed. It has actually been successful. Do not restart your computer when prompted.
Click on the Microsoft Update Home link on the left side of the screen. It will take you to the main screen where you will see the Express and Custom buttons. Click on either, and you will be able to download all the updates since SP2.
Turn Automatic Updates back on, as you please.

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