I have tried to download Microsoft Works 9 and windows installer says it is preparing to download and then it freezes up and stop. I also tried downloading open office and I get the error message "The windows installer service could not be accessed. This can occur if you are running windows in safe mode or if windows installer is not correctly installed." I have checked to see if it is set to manual and it is. I have tried the windows installer clean up utility and it does the same thing as when I tried to download Microsoft Works 9. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Try reinstalling the installer:

Download details: Windows Installer 4.5