Preparing to install (every time I open file explorer or call command prompt as admin)

I needed to update Windows, but the updater told me of a conflict with McAfee Endpoint Security

(provided by my uni, so the corporate version, I guess). I tried to uninstall that but failed completely, 

it just wouldn't uninstall. Eventually I tried Windows Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

which happily reported back that it succeeded uninstalling all components of McAfee. However,

on restart I discovered that McAfee was still running, it just disappeared from the list of installed 

programs.

What's worse, now whenever I click on file explorer or try to run command prompt as administrator, 

this immediately causes a little Windows Installer window to pop up with "Preparing to install" in it

and this freezes all other functions. Whether this fails after a long while or whether I interrupt it, 

this behavior restarts right away just as soon as I try to hit file explorer or command prompt (works

in the usual regime, but not as admin). It also starts by itself sometimes. Starting the computer 

in the safe mode does not help either--same behavior. 

Would appreciate a good advice--I am at the end of my tether. Need this HP laptop for work 

from home.

Hello SergeyShpectorov, how are you?

I am an independent consultant and user like you!

I'm happy to help you!

Use Microsoft's media creation tool to repair Windows:

- Download the media creation wizard

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

- Open the tool and click on 'Update this PC'

- Check the option to "Mater all my files and applications"

- Click to update

If you still have a problem I hope your answer!

If this was helpful, mark it as an 'Answer'. If more users have the same question, it can help them!

If you still need help, comment here and I'll be back to help!

Best Regards

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Hi RafaelTrog,

I attempted to download MediaCreationTool, however at the very end of the download the same "Preparing to install"

popup window appears and the exe file never becomes accessible, even after "Preparing to install" fails.

Sergey

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In this case I suggest a system restoration!

- Open the Start Menu settings
- Click on 'Update and Security'
- In the left side menu click on 'Recovery'
- In the 'Restore your PC' section click on 'Start now'

* You can also download the Media Creation Tool on another machine to create a USB recovery drive to fix the problem machine!

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Last updated March 20, 2024 Views 1,188 Applies to: