BleepingComputer.com: Help! Unable to install/uninstall or access programs

]Hi - In the past couple of weeks I have been having a problem accessing certain programs. I am running Vista.
I cannot open itunes or any assosiated programs and am also having problems accessing any microsoft programs (word, etc). This is a problem in both start up bar and desk top icons. The following appears when I try to access them
"Another installation is already in progress. Complete that installation before proceeding with this install."

I have tried to uninstall programs in control panel but the following message appears -
"Another program is being installed, please wait until that installation is complete, and then try installing this software again"

I am at a lose as what to do next. I was advised and have tried to do a windows install clean up but it comes up with "error 1500" when I try to download the program

I am not totally up on computer speak an so do not understand what these errors are.

Any help would be most appreciated. I am most worried that I may loose all of the photos I have stored on my machine which would be awful!
Kind Regards in anticipation
NorthernBird

After you boot into Windows, right-click on the Taskbar and open Task Manager. Click on the Processes Tab and look for a process using an unusual amount of CPU cycles and note what they are and post back

I have some how fixed the itunes problem by clicking lots of buttons and removing something out of the processes bit but am still unable to open word. It starts with preparing to install and then gives the original message of
"Another installation is already in progress. Complete that installation before proceeding with this install."


Have done as you uggested and there is no unusual activity in the processes. All running at 00 or the occasional fluxusion to 01/02 but thats it.

NB x:cold:

It might show up using Process Explorer:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinte...s/bb896653.aspx