Missing .msi files in Microsoft Office
Q. When I try to use Office 2003, I get an error message stating an .msi file is missing.
An .msi file is a Microsoft Installer file and is a database containing all the files, settings and configurations for a particular application, in this case Office 2003. Once Office is installed, the .msi file is stored in a hidden folder on the hard drive. If this file becomes corrupt or missing, Windows Installer is unable to download updates for the application, install extra features or reconfigure the settings.
Q. How did the .msi file become corrupt or missing?
There are various reasons why this has happened. Perhaps the file has been deleted by mistake, the file could have become damaged, or the hard disk of the computer could have become damaged or corrupt. Another common cause of .msi file errors is a corrupt registry.
Q. How can I repair this?
Office 2003 has a Detect and Repair option, which may help in this case. This application searches for errors, missing or damaged files and corrupt or omitted registry entries. The missing or damaged .msi file will be replaced. Using this option requires the original installation CD for Office 2003. If you have the installation disk for Office 2003, insert it into the drive when prompted. Follow the onscreen instructions and the file will be reinstalled if possible.
If you don't have the original Office 2003 disk, there are several options still open to you. If the application was already installed on your computer when you purchased it, you may have been given a recovery disk or perhaps there are recovery files stored on a separate partition of your hard drive. If this is the case, use these recovery files to repair the missing file. If you have neither the original nor a recovery disk, you can try contacting the manufacturer of your PC, who may be able to help; otherwise, you will need to purchase a new copy. It is possible to continue using the application even though the .msi file is missing but this is not advisable, as your system will become vulnerable to security threats due to not being updated. It may not be possible to completely uninstall this version of Office 2003 if the Windows Registry has become corrupt. It may also be possible to use the System Restore option if you are running Windows XP on your computer. This will revert all data on your PC to a previous point in time. However, doing this may mean you will lose other important data, so tread carefully.
Q. How can I prevent this happening in the future?
It's important that users never delete any hidden files or folders that are stored on the hard drive. These are vital files needed for the operating system and other programs to run. It's a good idea to regularly use the Disk Defragmenter tool that comes preinstalled with Windows Operating Systems. This application moves the data around, making it easier to find, as all files for any particular program are stored together. It will also repair cross-linked files.
The CheckDisk feature should also be used regularly to ensure the hard drive remains fully operational. This system tool will locate and repair bad sectors of the drive and recover lost clusters. The data that was stored on any bad sectors of the disk will normally not be recoverable. Bad sectors occur usually through physical damage to the hard drive such as the computer being dropped or moved while switched on. It's also important to keep the Windows Registry clutter and error-free.
This can be done by manually removing or changing the entries and values stored there. Unless you're experienced in working with the registry, it's not advised to do this yourself. However, you can use a program called a Registry Cleaner, which will scan your registry, locating errors and making any necessary changes. Registry Cleaners are safe and easy to use and if run regularly will lessen the likelihood of errors occurring within applications and your computer in general.
