Member Avatar for 'Lock

Hi,

I just installed office 2003 and every time I open it the the windows installer comes up. And after about 30 seconds or so the program opens. Its not a big problem but its annoying to wait for it every time I need to use word. I'm not to sure what the problem is, does anyone know how to fix this?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by hbk619

Dani AI

Generated

— the Windows Installer running every time Word/Office opens is usually the installer detecting missing per-user settings or components and trying to "self-repair." On Vista this often ties to user-profile permissions, advertised shortcuts, or a broken registry entry for Office, so a plain reinstall (as suggested) can miss the real cause. 's observation that it can behave like a "new user" is useful — the problem is often per-user data that the installer wants to recreate.

Try these focused diagnostics and fixes:

  • Start Word in safe mode with winword /safe. If the installer does not run, a COM/template add-in is likely triggering it; disable add-ins and test.
  • Create a brand-new local Windows account and run Word there. If the installer does not appear, the problem is limited to the original user profile.
  • Check Event Viewer (Windows Logs -> Application) for MsiInstaller entries to capture error codes/messages. Those entries point to what the installer is trying to fix.
  • Re-register the Windows Installer: run msiexec /unregister then msiexec /regserver from an elevated command prompt.
  • Run sfc /scannow to repair protected system files, then run Office Detect & Repair (Help -> Detect and Repair in any Office app) or use Programs and Features -> Change -> Repair.
  • If those fail, do a complete clean removal (Microsoft's uninstall/cleanup tools) and reinstall Office while right-clicking the setup and choosing "Run as administrator", then immediately install Office updates/SP (Office 2003 service pack).

Cautions: back up the registry/profile before editing; full clean removals delete user customizations (templates, macros). If the issue is profile-level corruption, creating a new Windows account is the quickest workaround. Given Office 2003 is long out of support, consider upgrading for better compatibility with modern Windows versions.

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Member Avatar for cyaansoft

please load office again.the problem will be solved

Member Avatar for 'Lock

I have reinstalled it and the same thing happens. I'm running it on vista btw.

Member Avatar for hbk619

hmm our college computers do that. something to do with it treats you as a new user.

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