Windows Installer Service Error

I am trying to uninstall a few programs on my Dell Laptop and I am receiving an error message saying that I am unable to do so. I have Windows XP and the message read as follows:

"The Windows Installer Servive could not be accessed. This can occur if you are running Windows in safe mode, of if the Windows Installer is not correctly installed. Contact your support personal for assistance."

please help this killing me!!
i am running my comp w/ normal start up

thanks
buffaLo

 

See if this helps, http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q315346

Steve

 

im sorry but it didnt work i think im screwed... last week i decided to get some windows updates because my Microsoft Antispyware Beta expired and the microsoft website was claiming that my OS was not genuine (which i assure you it is)... anyway my whole computer got screwed up (something about mixing SP updates w/ XP??) and they (Array Computer Systems - Cincinnati) had to reinstall EVERYTHING and back up all my files. so now i have problems with install/uninstall, my wireless card, and all sorts of little things...

i dunno where to turn!
what can i do??

thanks...