Windows Installer Servoice will not start

[Guest]

I recently tried to install a new virus checker and my computer hung when it
brought up the windows installer. I have subsequently tried to install
windows updates as well as other updates however teh computer always hangs
when it brings up windows installer
I have looked in services and windows installer is not started, i have tried
to start but it fails to start - times out
I used system mechanic to try and clean the registry and this has made no
differnence.
I have tried some of the suggestions from the microsoft web site and these
made no difference
I have tried to install new version of installer but it will nto lt me
I have also tried to bring up the system restore but it does not bring up
the restore screens. i just double click and nothing happens
I am at a loss and do not want to reformat and reinstall
I ran an online vireus check from symantec and that did not find anything
I am at a loss - any ideas on what i can do / check why the installer
service no longer seems to work would be greatly appreciated

 

[Guest]

You go to run,type:services.msc scroll down to installer,double click on it,
then select auto start from manual,then start the service.You might first
download installer 3.1 893803

 

[Guest]

Am having the same problems and have tried your answer as well, still no go.
I still get access denied error 5
am running win xp pro/pack2