Windows installer and updater problem

[Salamander 2]

After a windows XP Home repair install, my windows installer and updater is hosed. I've tried a lot of things to no avail. I did find a log from when I did the repair. It has the following: ".....FATAL: MSI DLL version is 3.0. Version 3.1 is required." This is followed by: "...WARNING: Failed to evaluate Installed rule, updateId = {B627A8FF-19CD-45F5-A938-32879DD90123}.100, error = 0x80241001."

I understand from this and other attempts at fixing this that I have the 3.0 installer version when I'm supposed to have the 3.1 version. I also cannot install the 3.1 version - I just get an "access denied" error message.

Is there anything in the above log text that suggests a possible solution to anyone?

[littleowl]

IMO do a complete format.

[Salamander 2]

I'm trying to find an alternative to a complete re-install. If I have to do that, is there a way to back up my programs, files, etc. (everything except the OS) onto my second harddrive (internal - used for video editing)?

[littleowl]

Sorry I can't really be of any help on your question.. I am kind of like you I don't like reinstalling windowz either.

Just for info what I do is install windows and all the programs on one drive and use my second drive to save all my data onto. That way all I have to do is tell the programs where to get the data from.

[Daveb2012]

Can you actually get into the OS? I would try dial-a-fix:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Dial-a-fix.shtml
let me know if it works.