Windows Installer (aka msiexec.exe) troubles

e-Seeker

Hi guys, I have a pretty annoying issue at hand.

I was reinstalling CS3 the other night, popped the install, went for some coffee + a snack, only to come back after 25-30 minutes later and find the installation still going on...

Opened up my processes and saw msiexec.exe running at 90-100% CPU load constantly, slowing everything up.

Killed the process (failing the install), rebooted, tried again - same crap.
Eventually I've installed the piece of software, after AN HOUR (maybe even more, lost track).

So, tried reinstalling Windows Installer (v3.1), same thing.

The huge CPU load is present at any installation contained within an MSI package, even at uninstalling software, and I'm completely clueless as to what is happening.

Any suggestions would be kindly appreciated!

- running at WinXP Pro, SP2

BlueMak

Have you installed any of those "helpful" programs to "help" you tidy up installed programs etc?

The windows installer will some times try to connect online for updates or whatever. Very rarely when you block it (firewall or whatever) it might just stay there not doing much. See if that is the issue. Disable the firewall and let it connect.