Powerpoint 2007 won't launch and gives msiexec.exe error

[BamaDave]

I am using the Home/Student edition of MS Powerpoint 2007. Suddenly today it
stopped launching. The startup screen briefly flashes but then very quickly
closes.

When I try to re-launch, I am asked whether I want to start in Safe Mode.
When I try this, it doesn't work.

When I try to launch for the third time, it asks whether I want to run the
repair tool. I click yes, and then it tells me that msiexec.exe cannot start.

To try to correct this problem, I have uninstalled Office and reinstalled.
Plus I have run an update so that I have all of the latest files (including
the latest service pack).

I have also run two registry cleaner programs to try to correct the error --
this didn't work either.

If I restart my computer in Safe Mode, I can launch Power Point. But it
won't allow me to save a Test File or anything. When I restart Windows in
regular mode, Powerpoint will not launch.

I tried Googling around for possible fixes and did find one other instance
of someone having this EXACT problem, but no solution was given.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[BamaDave]

P.S. I have also gone to "Run" and ran msiexec.exe with the /unregister
command followed by running it with the /regserver command. This was based