Can't install new software- says installer already running

[rachbanfield]

Hi there
I've tried to install software to run google hang outs and install updates to my virus protection- however I get an error message. The message says that installer is already working. I have closed down all the apps and I have nothing running so I have no idea what it thinks is being installed....
Curiously however - it will let me install windows updates?
I've tried to upload a couple of pictures of the error messages.
Has anyone else had this problem?
Any ideas how to fix it?
thanks in anticipation

 

[sharpuser]

Welcome to our forum!


Start Task Manager (or Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and look for Background Processes. You will probably find something there that is hanging on, or has "terminated and staying resident". Stop that process.

 

[leeshor]

You may need to simply restart. I ran into this same issue this week and a restart corrected it. YMMV.

 

[rachbanfield]

Welcome to our forum!


Start Task Manager (or Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and look for Background Processes. You will probably find something there that is hanging on, or has "terminated and staying resident". Stop that process.

Thanks - I'll try that - there seems to be a lot of things running in the background- so I'll try closing some of them
thanks for your help

 

[rachbanfield]

You may need to simply restart. I ran into this same issue this week and a restart corrected it. YMMV.

When you say - restart - do you mean turn it off and then on again?
If so...I've tried that...
I also tried closing down background processes but still no joy...I have no idea why it won't install anything...grrrr
thanks for your help
x

 

[rachbanfield]

Welcome to our forum!


Start Task Manager (or Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and look for Background Processes. You will probably find something there that is hanging on, or has "terminated and staying resident". Stop that process.

Hi there
I have tried stopping background processes but with no joy. It still won't let me install updates....
I'm at a total loss!
thanks for your help
x

 

[leeshor]

You may be running out of options short of doing a refresh.

 

[sharpuser]

Check your list of installed programs (Search, Control Panel, Programs - Uninstall a Program).
Sort by date. You may find a program there that you installed right before the problem arose. If so, uninstall it.

 

[rachbanfield]

I've still not managed to solve it!
Would you mind telling me how to carry out a refresh please- does this mean basically setting up the surface from scratch again?
thanks for your help

 

[sharpuser]

A "Refresh" re-installs the operating system automatically.
Your tiles and apps will be in place.
Any desktop programs, though, will have to be re-installed.
Your folders (files) will be intact.

Settings, Update & Security, Recovery, Reset this PC, Get Started

 

[rachbanfield]

Thanks ever so much - you're a star!
R

 

[ramiss]

Wow, a Refresh (forcing to reinstall all software) seems excessive for a background service that wouldn't shut down. Just Restart the machine. Dont turn it off and on, go to Power -> Restart.