Sometimes when installing software, the installer may get stuck where it will keep gathering some information. The result is that the installation doesn’t complete and abruptly ends. This post will guide you on how you can resolve the problem with the Windows Installer that hangs gathering the required information.
Windows Installer hangs – Gathering required information
There are two possible reasons why this happens. The first is because the VSS service gets stuck, and the second is when the Windows installer itself is a problem.
1] Check if VSS Service is stuck
Every time Windows installs anything crucial, it will create a restore point. Restore Point uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service, and if it doesn’t complete, the installation will never complete. The best place to check with the System Event Log, or you can execute the command vssadmin list writers on an Admin command prompt.
If any of the listed writes show that the system is “still waiting” for the service to respond, then you have a problem.
Next, you need to figure out if you recently installed or updated any of the hardware utility. Only when you uninstall from the computer, this problem will help you resolve.
Some users have reported about the MYSQL service causing the problem, some have talked about xFasts USB. It’s a typical software issue that hinders the whole process.
2] Restart Windows Installer Services
The second probably reason could be the Windows Installer service itself. Restarting might help.
- Open Run prompt (Win +R), and type services, and press the Enter key
- It will open the Services snap-in with a list of the services available in Windows
- Locate Windows Installer service, and right-click on it to start it, and then stop it.
- Restart the computer.
Next, try installing whatever you were trying to install, and check if you have an error.
FAQs.
How do I fix a corrupted Windows installer?
Open Run prompt (Win+R), and then type MSIEXEC /UNREGISTER, and press the Enter key. Repeat the same but this time use MSIEXEC /REGSERVER. This will unregister and register the Windows Installer.
How do I get rid of Windows Installer pop up?
If the installer pop-up is there for a long time, follow the suggestion above, or use task manager to kill it. Try reinstalling.
Why is Windows Installer not working?
If it is stuck on gathering data, it can be because of software hindering the VSS service to create a restore point. You can go to Services snap-in, locate Volume Shadow Copy, and then choose to restart it.
