Troubleshoot software installation issues

Some software applications and active firewalls can cause errors, installation difficulties, or prevent services from starting.
To address this issue, you can prevent the application services from starting by accessing Windows' System Configuration Utility (also referred to as 'Msconfig.exe').

1. Read your application documentation for instructions on how to disable its services.
   If you cannot find information about how to do this, proceed to the next step.
2. Disable the startup items in the Startup tab of Msconfig - Windows System Configuration Utility (see below for instructions).
   If this doesn't fix the problem, proceed to the next step.
3. Disable all non-Microsoft related services in the Services tab of Msconfig. Then restart Windows and try to complete your task.

Using Msconfig - System Configuration Utility

1. Launch Msconfig.exe
   • In Windows 10, Windows 7 & Vista, select the Start icon and type msconfig in the Search text box and double-click the msconfig.exe file that is found.  For Windows 10 specific instructions, please click here.
   • In Windows 8, from the metro-style desktop type msconfig, then select the msconfig icon in the search results for Apps.  Then, click here for further instructions.
   • In Windows XP, select Start, and then Run. Type msconfig, then click OK.
2. In the General tab of System Configuration Utility dialog box, click Selective Startup radio button.
   
   Note: If Selective Startup is already selected, write down the items that are still checked here and on the Startup tab so that they can be re-enabled after troubleshooting.

3. Click the Startup tab. Remove the check in the boxes for individual applications to keep them from starting automatically with Windows.
   
   Note: Only disable applications that you are familiar with. If you are unsure of what a particular application does, do not uncheck it.

4. Select OK.

5. Select Yes when prompted to restart your computer.
   

6. Attempt to install, print, scan or complete the original task you began.

7. If installation, printing or scanning is unsuccessful, open System Configuration Utility again.

8. Select the Services tab.

9. In Services tab, check Hide All Microsoft Services, then un-check individual services that you wish to disable.
   
   Note: Disabling certain services may have adverse effects on computer operation. Only disable services that you are familiar with. If you are unsure of what a particular service does, do not uncheck it.

10. Click OK.

11. Click Yes when prompted to restart your computer.

12. Attempt to install, print, scan or complete the original task you began.

For Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10:

1. After opening the System Configuration Utility, click the Startup tab.  Then, click Open Task Manager.
   
   
    
2. When the Task Manager opens, the Startup tab will be displayed.  A list of programs that run at startup will be listed.  Right click on a program and click Disable, or click on the program to highlight it and then click the Disable button at the lower right corner of the window.
   
   
    
3. Restart your computer.
    
4. Continue from step 6 in the section above.
    

To re-enable Normal Startup:
After your installation or task is complete, you should re-enable Normal Startup.

1. Open System Configuration Utility

2. On the General tab, select Normal Startup.

3. Select OK.

4. Click Yes when prompted to restart your computer.