"Install server not responding" error in Windows Installer

hajk · 01 Jun 2021

Windows version: Windows 10 21H1 (OS build 19043.985)

Hi! I have a problem with Windows Installer when I try to install (or uninstall) any .msi file or any other program that uses Windows Installer for the installation process. I keep getting either "Install server not responding" or "Installer is no longer responding" errors. Clicking retry just gives the same error a couple of seconds later. For reference, I was trying to install Microsoft's PowerToys and ProtonVPN, and I've tried to uninstall some other programs.

Things I've tried up to now:

restarting the Windows Installer service (msiserver) in Task Manager
unregistering and reregistering the Installer service through CMD
running Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter
running System File Checker

I get the same errors for both uninstalling and installing. I can uninstall a program using the aformentioned Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter, but I'd have to run it for every uninstall which uses Windows Installer, and it doesn't help with installing something.

I attached screenshots of the errors.

"Install server not responding" error in Windows Installer-powertoys-installer-error.png

"Install server not responding" error in Windows Installer-install-server-not-responding.png

dalchina · 01 Jun 2021

Hi,
- when did this start?
- what happened before this problem started?

Please confirm running SFC /SCANNOW passed.

Do you have a suitable System Restore point or disk image you could use to restore your O/S?

You could try this free repair tool, selecting only the relevant repair (20), and observing the cautious preparatory steps:

"Install server not responding" error in Windows Installer-snap-2021-06-01-17.34.01.png

hajk · 06 Jun 2021

Yes, SFC completed succesfully. I'm not sure what I installed close to the problem arising. I think I deleted old restore points while cleaning my system drive, but I'll have to recheck. I'll try this tool, but I'll create a restore point before trying it.

dalchina · 06 Jun 2021

That's prompted for in the several preparatory steps by that cautious tool.

And of course you will have a recent disk image- disk imaging is endlessly recommended here e.g. Macrium Reflect (free).

hajk · 06 Jun 2021

So I tried the tool from Tweaking.com you mentioned and it actually fixed the problem. I used the MSI repair, so repair number 20. Thanks for the help!

dalchina · 06 Jun 2021

hajk · 21 Jul 2021

Seems like the problem is back and neither the tool used before can't solve it this time. Any other recommendations? I guess I'll do a Windows reinstall/reset if there will be no other solution.

dalchina · 21 Jul 2021

It seems likely that either some action you are taking or something installed is causing problems.

If you haven't tried using a System Restore point, again, please do so.

You could try an in-place upgrade repair install which keeps all progs and data and for which you need an iso file of the same major build you have now.

Tutorial available if needed.

If you get your PC running normally again, create a disk image (e.g. Macrium Reflect- free). Then keep a record of any changes so if the same occurs you might have a chance of finding out why.

I hope you are using disk imaging routinely- endlessly recommended here so you can restore any imaged partition(s) to a previously good state without technical help.

Also consider checking your disk (3rd party program), and if ok, running chkdsk c: /scan from an admin command prompt.