This error is indicative of a problem with Windows Installer. Windows Installer is an operating system component that is responsible for managing the installation of new applications on your computer. This component is written and maintained by Microsoft, and is a standard used by software companies worldwide.

This is not a problem with The Exam Simulator. Ultimate responsiblity for the resolution of this issue lies with Microsoft. That said, The Exam Simulator technical support staff has thoroughly researched known causes and solutions to this problem:

• Your Computer may be Infected with the Win95.cih Virus
• Windows Installer may be Damaged or Missing

The Win95.cih virus is widespread and goes unnoticed on many computers. It is important to have the latest version of an antivirus program on your computer at all times. Many computers are running out-of-date antivirus software, or none at all.

If current antivirus software detects Win95.cih, you should allow the antivirus software to remove it. Once the virus is removed, it will be necessary to manually reinstall Windows Installer.

Note: The Exam Simulator CD-ROM is scanned for all known viruses, trojans, and worms prior to manufacturing. If your computer is infected with Win95.cih or any other known virus, you may rest assured that The Exam Simulator CD-ROM is NOT the source of the infection.

If Windows Installer is damaged or missing, or if you have removed the Win95.cih virus using current antivirus software, it will be necessary to manually reinstall Windows Installer.

The procedure for reinstalling Windows Installer is included below and was originally published as part of Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q217688. This procedure varies based on your version of Windows and should be performed by someone who is comfortable with computers.

Note: This procedure is reproduced here for your convenience. ABLE Incorporated assumes no liability for any inconvenience or inadvertent damage that may result from its execution. The Exam Simulator technical support staff will be unable to assist you with this procedure. If you require additional assistance, you should contact Microsoft Technical Support. This procedure MUST NOT BE USED on Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows XP.

For Microsoft Windows 95 and Microsoft Windows 98

1. On the Start menu, click Shut Down.



2. Select Restart in MS-DOS mode, and click OK.



3. Change to the \Windows\System folder. For example, type cd windows\system and press ENTER.



4. Rename the following files:

   Msi.dll
   Msiexec.exe
   Msihnd.dll

   You can rename these files by using the Ren command. For example, "ren msi.dll msi.old" renames the Msi.dll file to Msi.old.



5. Type Win and press ENTER. This starts Windows.



6. Double-click Instmsia.exe on The Exam Simulator CD.

For Microsoft Windows NT 4.0

1. Stop the Windows Installer service.
   
   
   • Double-click the Services control panel.
   • Select the Windows Installer service in the list of services, and then click Stop.
   • Click Yes to the prompt to confirm whether you want to stop the service.
   • Click Close.



2. On the Start menu, point to Programs, and then click Command Prompt.



3. Change to the \Winnt\System32 folder. For example, type cd winnt\system32 and press ENTER.



4. Rename the following files:

   Msi.dll
   Msiexec.exe
   Msihnd.dll

   You can rename these files by using the Ren command. For example, "ren msi.dll msi.old" renames the Msi.dll file to Msi.old.



5. Type exit and press ENTER.



6. Double-click Instmsiw.exe on The Exam Simulator CD.

After completing this procedure, remove The Exam Simulator CD from your CD-ROM drive and restart your computer. Once the computer has been restarted, reinsert The Exam Simulator CD. The setup program should start and automatically install The Exam Simulator on your computer.

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