Not able to access Windows Installer on Vista 64

Question：I can download but not install itunes on Vista 64 system.  Get the following message -

The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. This can occur if you are running Windows in safe

Mode, or if the Windows Installer is not correctly Installed. Contact your support personnel for assistance" The computer is not in safe mode and I can install some other downloads

Please reply in "dumb blonde" language so I will understand!

Answer 1：

Hi MsLindie,

Thank you for choosing Microsoft Answers Forums.

Which version of iTunes are you trying to install?

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/Details.aspx?type=Software&p=iTunes&v=Apple&uid=7&pf=0&pi=0&s=itunes&os=32-bit

ITunes 7.6 version and higher are compatible with Vista 64-bit system. Assuming that you are trying to install a compatible version of iTunes, you may try the steps mentioned below for "Windows Installer Service could not be accessed" error message:

Try to install iTunes after each of the following steps:

1. Start the Windows Installer service.

Click Start and in the Search Field type Services.msc and press enter.

Double-click Windows Installer

Set the Startup type of Windows Installer to Manual.

Click Start to start the service. If we get a message, please write that down

Click OK.

2. Try to download a latest version of windows installer standalone package from the link below:

  http://www.microsoft.com/DownLoads/details.aspx?familyid=5A58B56F-60B6-4412-95B9-54D056D6F9F4&displaylang=en

Vista 64-bit version:  Download this file:  Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x64.msu

Try to install the iTunes, if still the issue persists post back here so we can provide further assistance.

Hope this information helps.

Regards,
Manasa P- Microsoft Support.

Answer 2：I too am having this problem trying to install iTunes 8 - 64 bit.  I have followed the instructions here.... For step 1, everything is ok.. the Windows Installer Service is started (and set to manual). 

I installed the version noted above for the standalone package.  (I am running Vista Home Premium 64bit).  I keep getting:

"The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed.  This can occur if you are running Windows in safe mode, or if the Windows Installer is not correctly installed.  Contact your support personnel for assistance"

I am not in safe mode, and the standalone install went fine.  HELP!!!   Having nothing but install headaches with Vista (my first Vista PC).

John