Windows Installer doesn't work

About half the time, when I try to install new programs I get the error message that Windows Installer cannot be found. I tried reinstalling it awhile ago and that did not fix the problem. I tried following the instructions on this website: http://www.windowsanswers.net/articles/windows-installer-fixes and got some unusual results. When I checked to see if the MSI engine was working it came right up, no problem. When I tried checking for Windows Installer under Services, it wasn't even listed! I have no idea what this means, except that something is certainly wrong somewhere! Does anyone have any ideas? I have Vista 32 bit home premium on my computer.

 

Perhaps try: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971187

Click the Microsoft fixit button.

Good luck!