MSI packages that use WMI queries may fail on Windows Server 2008 R2 Core
This article helps you resolve the problem where MSI packages that use Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) queries might fail to run on Windows Server 2008 R2 Core.
Original product version: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2
Original KB number: 2490272
Symptoms
On a Windows Server 2008 R2 Core server, you attempt to run scripts or an MSI package that uses WMI queries that require the IServiceProvider interface. The script or MSI will fail with an error message similar to the following:
Error 1720.There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A script required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor. Custom action WMIQuery script error -2147221163.
Cause
The script or MSI package requires the IServiceProvider interface to run successfully, and attempts to call the interface through a proxy. However, the proxy for the IServiceProvider interface isn't available on Windows Server 2008 R2 Core.
Resolution
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem.
You may consider converting your WMI scripts to native language code to achieve the same functionality. Using scripts in the custom action isn't recommended as most antivirus programs by default block the scripts.