Very relieved to find this forum.
Problem began with automatic Windows update early September, corrupting files and disrupting Office file associations. I tried to deal with it, probably made it worse. There are two problems:
1. Error messages when I try to install anything.
Windows Installer Error 5: access denied
System error code Error 1303:The installer has insufficient privileges
2. I cannot use Office programs.
I got new Office software but cannot install it. This happens even though I run everything as administrator, including the SFC scan utility. Each time I run it, it reports it is unable to fix the corrupt files. I cannot restore. None of the Fix Its, recommended software, or anything else helps.
Followed all the recommended steps in knowledge base, sustained engineering blog, etc. no result. I changed my update preferences so they will no longer install automatically.Ironically, the damage prevents them from installing any more.
Also, I deleted that particular update file, KB2589275, and anything else from that day that looked the same, no improvement. Cleaned out anything that remotely resembled malware.I bought suggested software, no improvement.
By now the digital data reported in the CBS log file text basically shows me banging my head against the wall over and over.
But since this problem became so expensive, I resisted the temptation to just get a new computer.Luckily, I found this forum. It seems to be the only place where people are getting help with this. Can I just delete CBS.exe, the whole process? Any help is appreciated, and thank you.
