This article was previously published under Q324638
When you try to install, update, or remove any Windows Installer-based program, you may receive an error message similar to the following:
The MSIEXEC.EXE file is linked to a missing export MSI.DLL:222.
After you click OK, you receive an error message similar to the following:
Cannot launch C:\Windows\System\MSIEXEC.EXE, a device attached to the system is not functioning.
This behavior occurs if the Windows Installer files are mismatched because of an attempted update of the Windows Installer.
IMPORTANT: Before you follow the steps later in this section to resolve the issue, restart your computer and then try to install, update, or remove your Office program again. If Windows Installer has recently received upgraded files, the files are copied to a temporary location and the files are not copied to the appropriate folder until you restart the computer.
To resolve this issue, follow the steps in this four-part procedure in the order in which they are presented.
Part 1: Download the Windows Installer Update
Visit the following Microsoft Web site, as appropriate for your operating system:
Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
If you have a Windows Me Startup disk, go to step 7.
Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
Click the Startup Disk tab.
Click Create Disk to create the Startup disk.
NOTE: In some circumstances, you may be prompted to insert the Windows Me CD when you click Create Disk. This occurs if the installation files that are necessary to create the Startup disk are not on the hard disk.
When you are prompted, insert a formatted floppy disk in the floppy disk drive, and then click OK to confirm that the contents of the floppy disk may be overwritten.
Insert the Startup disk (or leave the Startup disk) in the floppy disk drive.
Restart the computer. When you are prompted to select how to start, click Minimum Boot.
At the command prompt, type the following (pressing ENTER after each line):