Thanks for the restore tip, Auntie, however I have downloaded IE8 Beta mid last year and I can't go back that far.
It seems that the problem is connected to Windows Installer as the message sais that either Windows Installer is not installed correctled or Windows has been started up in safe mode (which is not the case).

Does this help to make a new recommendation?

Windows Updates are not downlaodabel anymore and the IE8 Beta update fails. Also a java update is not working because that Windows Installer message

Thanks and Regards
Arnold

Hello Arnold,

Try running another uninstaller, such as the one in CCleaner, this will also remove any related registry keys.

ps. IE

Thanks Benijofarie..Have done the CCclean without result.
When trying to update Windows and iTunes and for example Nokia PC Suite the message: "cannot get access to the Windows Installer-service....."keeps popping up

Help help..I am therefore very much behind with XP-updates

Regards

Arnold

Hi Arnold, Just checked microsoft, this may help you support.microsoft.com/kb/884016

Good luck.

Did the link Benijofarie sent you work Arnold?

No, Aunty, has not cured my problem

I have found downloaded the Installer 3.0 as suggested through Benijofarie's advise..

Every Windows related update creates the same message: Cannot get access to the Windows Installer-service.

It all happened long when I have downloaded the Beta version of IE8 Beta.
Even when trying to update IE8 (where the old version is removed to be substituted by the new version gives the same message)

Thanks for your interest

Regards
Arnold