Windows version: Windows XPProblem happens on start upAfter desktop loads and before I can open a program, Windows Installer attempts to install fax. I have no fax. I must cancel several messages before I can actually begin.1. I have removed the fax component from the "add/remove Windows components."2. I have deleted all temporary files/internet temp files.3. I have found and deleted the .msi file that is starting Windows Installer.4. I tried renaming responsible files but they would end up being reproduced.5. I have tried the five methods given at microsoft.com/kb/555175.6. By the way, the cleanup utility no longer exists due to potential file damage.7. I tried letting Windows Installer install the fax but, of course, in the end, it wanted a disk.8. I disabled Windows Installer. This did not work at all and I made sure that Windows Installer was properly installed before I terminated that attempted solution.If you had this problem, and you fixed this problem, I'd appreciate hearing how you did that. 1 person needs an answerI do too

Hi,If you receive errors when you start your computer that you cannot identify, you could consider performing a "clean boot." This operation starts the computer by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you troubleshoot the problem.Check if the same happens in Clean boot.http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353Note: Ensure to restart the computer normally by following the steps under “Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state” in the above article.DianaMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.

Thank you. I proceeded to download Guided Help and was advised that Guided Help could not be downloaded at this time and that I should try again later or visit the help and support web site for more information. Since "help and support" was a hyperlink, I clicked on it. I did not know how to find further help there.

Hi,Try the manual steps provided as Method 2 in the article: “Clean Boot”:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353 and check. DianaMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think. If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.

Thank you. However, Method 2 is for an advanced user which I am not. The issue is annoying but after a sufficient number of clicks, extraneous though they may be, I can continue. I never expected to spend so much time and try so many possible solutions. I think I'll cut my losses time-wise. Thank you again.