This command-line tool deletes configuration data that Windows
Installer maintains for products that it installs, including the
directories, files, registry subkeys, and registry entries in which
Windows Installer stores configuration data. You can use Msizap to
remove remnants of corrupted Windows Installer installations that
prevent you from installing a product correctly.
You can also use Msizap to give Adminstrators Full Control
permissions to Windows Installer folders, files, and registry
subkeys.
Msizap is designed as a last resort tool to be used only
when conventional methods of repairing or removing an installation
have failed. Before using Msizap, use Add
or Remove Programs to remove or repair the installation. If
that fails, use the Windows Installer Cleanup
Utility (Msicuu.exe), which runs Msizap, but prevents you from
causing unnecesary harm to the system.
Caution
Msizap can delete installation data that is required by the
system. Products installed by Windows Installer might not operate
properly after using this tool.
You can use Msizap to correct the following installation
failures.
A Windows Installer installation, uninstallation, or rollback
is interrupted or fails unpredictably. Because the installation did
not complete successfully, Windows Installer will not uninstall or
reinstall the program, or install any another programs.
Registry entries for a product have been deleted or changed,
damaging the operation of the products and preventing you from
uninstalling or reinstalling the product.
Multiple instances of a setup program are running
simultaneously, or an instance of a setup program cannot run.
Windows Installer manages the installation and removal of
applications on Windows XP Professional. Typically, these
installations conclude successfully, or are successfully reversed
("rolled back") or repaired. However, in rare situations, an
installation, a rollback, or an uninstallation fails, leaving
installation files and registry entries that would otherwise be
removed. As long as these objects remain on the system, Windows
Installer considers the installation to be active and
incomplete.
Because Windows Installer conducts only one installation at a
time, it will not start another installation until all indicators
of the active installation are removed.
You can use Msizap to remove particular installation remnants,
such as the InProgress registry subkey and the rollback registry
data. You can also delete all configuration data for a specified
installation, or all Windows Installer installations on the
system.
