Member Avatar for Leads99IT

I have MS Office Pro on a work computer that we just tasked to a new job that requires MS Access. All of the other programs in MS Office open and work fine, but when I try to open Access (either by clicking directly on a file or by just opening the program) a Windows Installer window opens up saying "Preparing to Install" which then turns into a Microsoft Office Professional Edition window with the text "Please wait while Windows configures Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003..." There is a little progress bar that runs with the text "Gathering required information..." Then the window closes and nothing else happens!

I uninstalled Office and reinstalled the full version thinking perhaps it was a bug in the install, but everything else is working fine from Word and Excel to Powerpoint and Outlook.

I need to get this up and running before falling too far behind on the project, any help would be appreciated!!!

Thanks!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by kristain

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Short diagnosis and targeted next steps (before upgrading or renaming files)

Several posters (, , and ) touched on reinstall/upgrade and file-renaming ideas. Those are valid long-term options, but the symptom you describe—Access invoking Windows Installer, showing “configuring…”, then silently failing—is usually the installer trying to repair or find source files and failing. The fastest way to fix it is to gather what the installer is doing, let it finish once under elevated conditions, and repair any broken installer/MSI registration. The steps below are non-destructive and ordered from easiest to more invasive.

  1. Capture the installer errors (logs)

  • Watch Windows Event Viewer → Windows Logs → Application while you start Access and note any MsiInstaller / Office-related events.

  • Capture verbose Windows Installer/Office setup logs so you can see the error code and “missing source” lines. Example one‑time command:

    path\Setup.exe /L*v C:\OfficeSetupLog.txt

    or (for an MSI)

    msiexec /i package.msi /l*vx C:\msilog.txt

    The msiexec switches and logging options are documented by Microsoft. (learn.microsoft.com)

  1. Repair broken installer registrations
  • Run Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter to fix corrupt MSI registration and cached installer entries (this often fixes Office trying to reconfigure a component it cannot find). (support.microsoft.com)
  1. Let Access finish configuration with elevated rights / try Safe Mode
  • Start Access once using “Run as administrator” or start the app in Office Safe Mode (hold Ctrl or use the msaccess /safe method) so the setup can complete; if that succeeds, open normally afterwards. See Microsoft guidance for opening Office in Safe Mode. (learn.microsoft.com)
  1. If Access keeps reconfiguring every start (after it should be configured)
  • As a last, cautious per-user workaround many admins add the NoReReg value under the user Office registry Options for the Access version installed (for Office 2003 use HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Access\Options) so Office stops re-registering each launch. Back up the registry or create a restore point before editing. Microsoft community guidance documents this approach. (learn.microsoft.com)

If those steps don’t resolve it, run a full Online Repair of Office (or use the Office uninstall support tool and reinstall) and try a clean boot to rule out third‑party add‑ins. Microsoft documents the repair and clean‑boot procedures. (learn.microsoft.com)

If you collect the Event Viewer entries and the MSI/Setup log, those contain the exact error codes (1706, 1603, 3, etc.) that point to a missing source or permission issue—post the relevant log lines and the product GUID and someone can read them and give the precise fix.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for jclynadms

If you are facing problem only in access then it is very difficult to find that where is the problem actually. I would lie to suggest you that as you are using 2003 uninstall it and use 2007 it will be more beneficial and will have some extra features in it. I hope this will help you.

Member Avatar for rmartin8

have same problem -- is there any solution other than moving up?

Member Avatar for jacks2028

To access ms access then it is very difficult to find that where is the problem actually. I like to suggest you that as you are use 2007 ms office it have many features compare to 2003 so it's much helpful to you.

Member Avatar for kristain

I have MS Office Pro on a work computer that we just tasked to a new job that requires MS Access. All of the other programs in MS Office open and work fine, but when I try to open Access (either by clicking directly on a file or by just opening the program) a Windows Installer window opens up saying "Preparing to Install" which then turns into a Microsoft Office Professional Edition window with the text "Please wait while Windows configures Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003..." There is a little progress bar that runs with the text "Gathering required information..." Then the window closes and nothing else happens!

I uninstalled Office and reinstalled the full version thinking perhaps it was a bug in the install, but everything else is working fine from Word and Excel to Powerpoint and Outlook.

I need to get this up and running before falling too far behind on the project, any help would be appreciated!!!

Thanks!

To resolve this problem, rename the MSAccess.exe and System.mdw files, and then reinstall Microsoft Access.

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