How to fix Adobe flash player installation error ?

Recently while updating from IE7 to IE8, I could not get Adobe Flash player 10 to install on my machine. After a lot of searching around, I found out that it was a registry key issue. I tried running various registry cleaner on my computer (Registry Mechanic, Hijack this), but could not get Flash player to install. But today, I found this article, and after following what was asked in that article I was able to get Flash player to work on my computer with IE8.

So, this is what you do...

Using the SubInAcL tool from Microsoft to fix permission issues in the registry has solved installation errors for several products including Flash Player.

Warning! The following solution involves the Windows System Registry. Editing or manipulating the registry incorrectly can result in serious system damage which may require reinstallation of the operating system. If you are not comfortable editing the registry, then take your system to a professional. If you choose to proceed, then it is essential that you create a complete system backup and a Windows System Restore Point before proceeding. Adobe Systems cannot be held responsible for damage resulting from this information.

You must have administrator privileges to successfully complete these instructions.

1. Follow the instructions to download the SubInACL tool from the Microsoft Download Center.
2. Install SubInACL.
3. Download the reset_fp10.zip file.
4. Extract the reset_fp10.cmd file to C:\Program Files\Windows Resource Kits\Tools\.
   
   Important: Be sure that both the subinacl.exe and reset_fp10.cmd files are in the same location here: C:\Program Files\Windows Resource Kits\Tools\.
   
5. Double-click reset_fp10.cmd.
6. This will open a command window and execute the SubInACL tool.
7. Do not use the machine while SubInACL is running.
8. When it is finished you will see "Press any key to continue".
9. Install the Flash Player from www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer.

How to fix the "The Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed" error in Windows XP

When you try to install a program, such as Microsoft Office or even try to remove an installed program for Windows XP, you may receive the following error message:

"The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed.This can occur if you are running Windows in safemode, or if the Windows Installer is not correctlyinstalled. Contact your support personnel for assistance."

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
1. Log on to your computer as an administrator.
2. Click Start, and then click Run.
3. In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK.
4. At the command prompt, typemsiexec.exe /unregister, and then press ENTER.
5. Type msiexec /regserver, and then press ENTER.
6. Verify that the SYSTEM account has full control access permissions to the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT hive in the Windows registry. In some cases, you may also have to add Administrator accounts. To do so:Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
322756 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756/ ) How to back up and restore the registry in Windows
a. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
b. Click the following registry hive:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
c. On the Edit menu, click Permissions.
d. If SYSTEM is not listed in the Group or user names list, click Add, make sure that the local computer name appears in the From this location box, type system in the Enter the object names to select box, click Check Names, and then click OK.
e. Click SYSTEM in the Group or user names list, and then select the Full Control check box under Allow in the Permissions for SYSTEM box.
f. Click Apply, click OK, and then quit Registry Editor.

7. Restart the computer. If the problem is not resolved, repair Windows XP. For more information about how to repair Windows XP, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
315341 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341/ ) How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP.