Search function launches Windows Installer

[Tim Nichols]

I have a user who is experiencing the following problem on his Windows XP
Professional laptop. When he tries to use the Windows Search for files
function (by using the start menu), the Windows Installer launches and says
it is trying to install something. It then locks up the computer, and I
have to use task manager to end the task in order to use Windows again.

This installer service also launches when he goes into certain folders in
Windows Explorer, such as his temp folder on the C drive.

I tried logging on with administrator rights and as a different user with
administrator rights and it does the same thing.

Anyone have any suggestions on what to try?

Thanks,

-Tim Nichols

 

[xe77]

This is caused by and Office component trying to install.
Run Repair on Microsoft Office to correct the problem.

 

[Kelly]

Hi Tim,

This generally happens when the Office Assistant isn't installed via Office
and/or Search is not set to Classic. Run the edit on line 286 (right hand
side):
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

 

[Tim Nichols]

I tried this and it did not fix my problem. I did a little more research
and noticed in the event viewer that the Windows Installer service was
unable to find a file named "MSCOMCTL.OCX" in C:\Windows\System32. I looked
for this file and it wasn't there, however there was a file named
"MSCOMCT2.OCX" in this folder. I made a copy of this file and renamed it
"MSCOMCTL.OCX" and then tried it again. This fixed my problem.

-Tim Nichols

 

[Kelly]

Thanks for the info and feedback, Tim.