Microsoft's Windows Installer components comprise the small constituents of a program, which are installed or removed collectively. They provide a useful way to not only install programs, but also gives the user the ability to manage these programs as well. Therefore, Microsoft Windows Installer has numerous functions to improve the tasks completed by the user:

  1. The Windows Installer can be used to remove programs already installed on the hard drive. By using the Windows Installer, all of the components of the program will be removed such as files, folders, and registry keys, without leaving "orphan" files.
  2. The Windows Installer is also useful in choosing a custom install. This is achieved by having the option to install only the basic components of a program.
  3. In addition, the Windows Installer can be used to determine if a previously installed version of software already exists on the computer.Failed to Access Windows Installer Components
  4. Another handy feature of the Windows Installer is its ability to retain previously installed versions of a program and restore it, if the computer is not able to update successfully.

Windows Installer packages (.msi files) encompass the information on how a particular application program will be managed on the computer. This includes repairing or updating certain files located in the program. Therefore, Windows Installer components are only one aspect of a Windows Installer package.

An example of this process is seen when installing the Microsoft .NET Framework, a "Failed to access windows installer components," error message can be received. This error message is usually received when the Windows Installer is improperly cataloged inside the Windows registry. In some instances, this problem can be possibly corrected by removing the .NET Framework from your computer system and reinstalling the .NET Framework.

To remove and reinstall the .NET Framework:

  1. On the Desktop go to Start
  2. Click Control Panel
  3. Click on Add Or Remove Programs
  4. Scroll down and delete the Microsoft .NET Framework

Unregistering the Windows Installer and registering it again:

  1. On the Desktop go to Start
  2. Click Run
  3. Type msiexec /unregister, and click OK
  4. Go to Run again, and reregister by typing msiexec /register, and click OK