cannot Install/Uninstall

I am trying to uninstall my recent Sun Java to then update according the the Malware guide. Whenver I try to do do so, my system running Windows XP Pro SP3 gives me an error message "The Windows Installer Service Could not be Accessed."

When I try to install a new program, such as reinstalling my ESET NOD antivirus suite, it tells me the temp folder is unavailable or I do not have privileges but I am logged in as the only system user and I have administrator level access. This occurs even when I right click the AutoRun installer and Run As administrator and type the password.

What is interfering with install/uninstall procedures?

Thanks
Jeff

 

You don't need to uninstall earlier Java versions any more since JRE 6u10. Can you install the new version over your current one, or do you get the same error?

 

Same error. For anythin requiring Windows Installer, really.
I go to services.msc to Start it but then it stop automatically.