Solved Every time I open a folder, the Windows installer pop-up opens

[Scalerwave]

System: WinXp Sp2

This is a continued problem from fighting a rootkit.zeroaccess virus.

Combofix has apparently removed the virus but the remaining problem is that every time I open a folder (My Computer, Network Places, HDD shortcut, Search file) the "Windows installer" Pop-up appears as if I'm trying to install new software. The Pop-up hangs around for about a minute and then finally the My Computer or other window will display normally. Closed the My Computer and and re-opening causes the same Install Pop-up to come onscreen. This seems to have occurred after running a "Repair" install. I ran one more "Repair" install but the problem remains.

I ran HiJackThis and found 2 missing file entries, checked the boxes, and hit "Fix" but this didn't help.

I ran Administrative Tools/Applications to look for errors but only see a Warning for MSIinstaller... no other clues.

As a work around, I ran Services.msc and disabled the "Windows Installer" service. This works but I would really like to get to the bottom of this though.

I'm still looking around on the net now... it seems that some people had success with a MS Cleanup tool which cleans up messy Uninstalls. I can't find the tool now though. Others just stopped at the "work-around" that I mentioned and just turn the "Installer" back on when needed to update or install software.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[BSOD]

AFAIK, you shouldn't just go around 'fixing' HJT stuff without knowing what you're doing.

Do this as a basic system file check up: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/ht/sfc-scannow.htm

Have you used Registry Cleaners?

 

[mercurial]

Is the problem still occurring when you boot into Safe Mode?

 

[Scalerwave]

BSOD - I'll check out SFC thx ! For the Reg Cleaner, I used TuneUp Utilities 2013. There were plenty of errors and it cleaned everything up but no change.

I was following a thread where some explained how HJT helped solved their problem. No harm done but no fix either.

Merc - I'll try SM again and let you know.

 

[BSOD]

Here is the cleanup tool: be careful.

http://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/MSI-cleanup-utility-3889c8db

 

[madyrocksin]

i might not be providing you a solution to your problem, but considering the current scenario of 0-day exploits i would NOT recommend you to use XP, try upgrading to win7, win8 or if hardware dont permit then at least a XP SP3 with all updates.

On the problem,
if the above measures don't work try and explore the event viewer and find out what is calling the windows installer, it might help !!

 

[jim lin]

hello Scalerwave

since you are getting help in "Malware Removal Assistance" part of the forum here mabe it's not a good idea to ask for help in this part of the forum yet

as things you do here might make it harder for your helper in "Malware Removal Assistance" to help you

 

[Scalerwave]

Good idea.

hello Scalerwave

since you are getting help in "Malware Removal Assistance" part of the forum here mabe it's not a good idea to ask for help in this part of the forum yet

as things you do here might make it harder for your helper in "Malware Removal Assistance" to help you

 

[Scalerwave]

I would have never guessed it but it turns out that somehow Adobe Acrobat 7 got damaged and was causing the problem. After much investigation, Jack suggested either reinstalling or uninstalling AA7. It was quicker to uninstall so I did that and the Windows Installer problem was finally gone.

The system seems to be ok now.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the helpful suggestions.

SW

 

[BSOD]

I would have never guessed it but it turns out that somehow Adobe Acrobat 7 got damaged and was causing the problem. After much investigation, Jack suggested either reinstalling or uninstalling AA7. It was quicker to uninstall so I did that and the Windows Installer problem was finally gone.

The system seems to be ok now.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the helpful suggestions.

SW

That's awesome, have you found a replacement?

 

[Scalerwave]

Adobe is on CD so no problem there.

I would have never guessed it but it turns out that somehow Adobe Acrobat 7 got damaged and was causing the problem. After much investigation, Jack suggested either reinstalling or uninstalling AA7. It was quicker to uninstall so I did that and the Windows Installer problem was finally gone.

The system seems to be ok now.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the helpful suggestions.

SW

That's awesome, have you found a replacement?

 

[Gnosis]

Freakin' Adobe. I tell you what! I used to get BSOD's via their auto update shortcomings. I experienced more BSOD's by the hands of Adobe than any other past BSOD cause.
I am experiencing the same symptom complained about in this thread. Adobe strikes again. Those jerks. They need to work the bugs out of their junk. I have seen it too many times.

I am getting "Windows Installer" pop-up windows every time I access Outlook (don't use it anyway) and Search Companion. It is annoying. It says something about "Net Framework" or some such nonsense.
I guess I should uninstall Shockwave Flash and my Flash Player and get updated versions. Adobe has glitches; and crashes so much. It is very common in my experience.

 

[Gnosis]

Actually it says "XP Professional with Front Page".


When I open Outlook, that is when I get: WINDOWS INSTALLER/Praparing to install....

I am getting both of those messages for either action, whether I open Outlook, or I attempt a search with Search Companion.

What gives?

It is hard telling how long this has gone on because I never use Outlook and I rarely use Search Companion.

EDITED

 

[Plexx]

Actually it says "XP Professional with Front Page".


When I open Outlook, that is when I get: WINDOWS INSTALLER/Praparing to install....

I am getting both of those messages for either action, whether I open Outlook, or I attempt a search with Search Companion.

What gives?

It is hard telling how long this has gone on because I never use Outlook and I rarely use Search Companion.

EDITED

This and thisshould fix your problem.

Second link has up to 2003 version though but the first link should be enough.

Here is also an alternative tool and some guidelines.

 

[Gnosis]

I ran Windows Installer Cleanup and I am seeing 4 versions of Microsoft. NET Framework. Should I remove the three older versions?
1.1.4432 is the oldest and 3.5.20.7.29 is the newest. Same with MSXML 4.0 Service Pack 2 (older version showing)