Messenger keeps "installing"

[Tikatu]

Lately, when I start up Windows Live Messenger (I have version 8.5), I get a
box saying that it's "installing". Then another message pops up saying that I
need to shut down a program in order for the "install" to complete.

The program? Windows Live Messenger.

I'm usually signed in on Windows Live Home when this happens, and have
accessed Messenger from there. I'll eventually get the "offline" icon, and be
able to restart Messenger from the start tray. But this "installing" thing is
really annoying.

Why is this happening?

Thanks for your response.

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings,

What's happening is Messenger is trying to repair itself. Your best bet is to just
completely uninstall Messenger from the Control Panel and then reinstall it.

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger
MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
MessengerGeek Blog: http://www.messengergeek.com
Messenger Resources: http://messenger.jonathankay.com
(c) 2008 Jonathan Kay - If redistributing, you must include this signature or citation

 

[Tikatu]

Easier said than done, I'm afraid. If I try to uninstall without a restart, I
get "Another installation is already in progress. Complete that installation
before proceeding with this install." If I restart and try to uninstall from
the Control Panel, it hangs up and becomes unresponsive. Any ideas on how to
get around these so I can complete the uninstall?

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi,

Well it sounds like you might have some bigger problems. But to work around this, grab the
Windows Installer Cleanup utility here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

After installation, just run, find Windows Live Messenger on the list and choose Remove.
Then install Live Messenger again.

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger
MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
MessengerGeek Blog: http://www.messengergeek.com
Messenger Resources: http://messenger.jonathankay.com
(c) 2008 Jonathan Kay - If redistributing, you must include this signature or citation

 

[amadaemon]

I had same problem with 8.5, luckily I had version 8.1 which is repairable in
add/remove. A temporary solution is to delete Windows Live Installer, then
after a few reboots it will settle down.