HP Support Assistant says there is a newer version but won't Install it

[Dragon-Fur]

@DennyC

I hate stuff that does not work.

I found the following - which might be useful if the issue happens to be that whatever HPSA bits are in the system cannot (will not) removed when you try to uninstall in preparation to install a fresh copy.

The following is suggested by our own Provost old_geekster in hpsf.exe working:

Partial Excerpt:

I suggest trying Revo Uninstaller to remove HPSA.  I use the Advanced option.

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An "older" HP Assistant might well be a reasonable step -- the latest 8.x is supposed to be "the best"; it does have a number of nice features -- the 8.x HPSA has also removed the beloved "Tune-up" facility; this is something people do seem to miss a great deal.

You might find your older copy, if you don't already have a download saved, in your Recovery Manager.

Reference:

Updates – When and How

See Section: Recovery Manager

Although the HPSA 6.x series did seem to the most robust versions of the HPSA program, it is quite antiquated at this point.  The 7.x series was a bit plagued by issues (personal opinion) - nonetheless, it worked for many people and may be worth a try if you haven't another option.

sp68201 HP Support Assistant 7.7.34.34-A

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[DennyC]

@Dragon-Fur

I guess I'm a glutton for punishment.  I've decided to dig a little deeper and see if I can actually get this software to install.  Did a clean boot.  Ran the un-installer.  Then did a re-boot and tried to install once more.  Again, re-boot and look at event viewer.  I find out that the MsiInstaller throws an error code 1721 - basically saying the following:

Product: HP IDF Software -- Error 1721. There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A program required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor. Action: UnregisterAclmControl, location: C:\Program Files (x86)\Hp\Common\AclmControl.exe, command: /unreg

I have not idea what the file could be.  Any ideas??

[Dragon-Fur]

@DennyC

I am trying to not to repeat the zillions of posts on the Internet about this error -- there is a lot out there having to do with the Windows Installer and the 1721 error.

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One of the interesting bits I did see (although you might have seen and discarded this one), is the idea to re-register the Installer.  This might be useful if the error is actually more general than the information indicates.

(Apparent) original source:

"Windows Installer Service could not be accessed" error message when installing application

Re-register the Windows Installer

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The issue might have to do with your UAC settings -- the aclmcontrol.exe appears to require using an account with Admin privelege.  If the code lacks the ability to allow you to "click and allow to run", the program may balk if your UAC settings are too high (to restrictive).

Control Panel > icon view > User Accounts > Change User Account Control Settings

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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You indicated, without having said which version you are running, that your .NET Framework is at "latest version".  The aclmcontrol program (at least from what I can tell from the extracted data) runs at .NET Framework 4.0.  You might check your Windows Features and make sure you have switched on / selected .NET Framework 4.x

Stubborn program.  Grumble, pound mouse on desk...

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[DennyC]

@Dragon-Fur

Sorry for the delay.  Was out of town.  So...I have confirmed a few things.  First off, you must be using a newer version of Windows.  My "Windows Features" does not show Net Framework 4.5.  I do show Version 3.5 and it is unchecked.  However, I do show Net Framework 4.5 in my list of Installed Programs. It's listed as Version 4.5.2 installed last January.

  My UAC settings were set to the 3rd one up and I lowered it even though it is not recommended.  I also re-registered the MSIinstaller.  Still not go.  Next question I have is in Event Viewer where the error occurred, there appears to be a recommendation there which is to Unregister ACLMControl.  As I ponder that, I did a registry check and did find a location and am now wondering if I should edit the registry regarding that.  Recommendation???

[Dragon-Fur]

@DennyC

Rats.

I am running Windows 8.1 and yes, it makes a difference how programs and processes are handled and presented.

I just checked a Windows 7 machine and the .NET Framework 3.5.1 is enabled on the top level - that is, the Windows Communication Foundation elements are not enabled.

The Windows 7 system I checked does have .NET Framework 4.5.2 in Programs and Features.

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Before you edit the registry, you might try enabling the top level of .NET Framework 3.5

As a rule, I don't comment on hacking the registry in areas in which I am not familiar.  This is one of those instances where it is best I do not give advice on content.

Do make sure you Export a copy of the Registry prior to making changes.

Open the Registry >> Start > Run > regedit > OK

Click through Admin Permission pop-up to allow the program to run; provide your admin password if necessary >

Click File > Export >

In Export Range > Select All  > Save

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What is the full Product name (model) / Product number of your DV6t?

Product Number and the full Operating System 

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[DennyC]

@Dragon-Fur

My model is A5F76AV. Windows Pro SP1.  I have two of these built six months apart.  What you're saying about Net Framework is very interesting.  I am curious why neither of my machines show NFW 4.5 in Programs and Features.  I may have mis-spoke regarding NFW 3.5. The top level box on both machines depict a shaded blue box rather than a dot like you're showing.  So I think it is enabled.  At this point, I'm going to hold off hacking the registry.  Makes me real nervous. 

[DennyC]

@Dragon-Fur

So this morning, I re-installed HPSA version 7.6 and low and behold, it installed perfectly and is working just like it should.  I do not know why other than the only thing I did was "Disk Cleanup" prior to.  Also, on my previous post, I failed to mention that I'm running 64 bit Windows.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@DennyC

HPSA version 7.6.x is perfectly acceptable in my opinion - and by staying with the Version 7.x, your HPSA still provides the Tune-up feature, something that is missing in the latest HPSA V8.x series.

For future reference, you can - if you like - download and install .NET Framework packages from Microsoft.

Examples:

Microsoft .NET Framework 4 (Web Installer)

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 (Offline Installer)

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6 (Web Installer)

Side Bar:

You might consider downloading copies of all your latest Windows 7 Drivers from your notebook's Support Page - these support pages tend to stick around... until they don't.  You can save the copies on your computer in case needed later.  You can either change the name of each .exe file to include a description of the driver, or you can download and keep a copy of the support page.  You can also check the Properties of each of your downloaded .exe file to see the name of the contents.

HP Pavilion dv6t-7000 CTO Entertainment Notebook PC

Also, grab a copy of your User and Maintenance Guides and anything else that you find of interest, say one or more of the How-to documents.

User Guide - Windows 7

HP Pavilion dv6 Entertainment PC Maintenance and Service Guide

HP Notebook Hard Drives & Solid State Drives Identifying, Preventing, Diagnosing and Recovering from Drive Failures Care and Maintenance Measures

When you see a Post that helps you,

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[DennyC]

@Dragon_Fur

Thanks for that link to the latest Net Framework. Got that installed.  I took your advice and created a directory and downloaded all of the recommended drivers from HP.  I'm hopeing they won't disappear, but then again...one never knows.  I had already had the PDF files for maintenance and service guides.  So thanks for all of your help.  It truly is appreciated.  I think I'll just stay with HPSA 7.6 now that it is working and call it quits.  Thank you again.