Can't download printer because it says the computer is in Safe Mode

I'm trying to download my new HP Photosmart 3210 printer to my Dell 3000 but I can't because it keeps saying that the computer is in safe mode. The computer isn't in safe mode. I had this problem before when I was trying to download a program but it went away. Does anyone know how to fix this? Dell said they can fix the problem if I pay $200 and I don't have $200 to pay them...​

 

Not quite sure what you mean by

Do you mean you are trying to install the printer driver?

 

Try rebooting and hiting F12 during the BIOS boot screen. This should bring you to a boot menu that list your possible boot devices: floppy drive, CD-ROM, Windows (normally), Windows (safe-mode with networking), Windows (safe-mode without networking), Windows (safe-mode command prompt).

Pick normally and see if it works.

 

I really don't know what it is. I'm just trying to install my printer.

It says

The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. This can occur if you are running Windows in safe mode, or if the Windows Installer is not correctly installed.

I did the Safe Mode thing and thats what I got. I don't know what the Windows Installer is. When I got the Dell Windows XP was already on it.

 

Start->run: msiexec /unreg (this is a silent command, nothing will appear to happen)

then

start->run: msiexec /regserver

Then try again.

There are other things that can cause this error, but those commands usually work.

Also, go to start->run: services.msc , choose "windows installer" from the list, and make sure the service is started. If it isn't started, click on "start", see what happens.

Some more things here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315353/en-us

Best of luck!