[Celtic_symphany]

did all but %systemdrive%\%windir%\temp cos it said C:\C:\ Windows is not accessible. The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. I 'tried' to reboot but when I did it tried to install updates and just held like that for about 5-10mins without moving...there was no computer activity...when I started the comp back up, it wouldn't install

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btw...I really appreciate u tryin to help me with this

[Celtic_symphany]

btw...I really appreciate u tryin to help me with this

[wannabe1]

Is THIS the version of Windows Installer you downloaded? If not, try to install it. (requires validation).

[Celtic_symphany]

downloaded Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2)...installed automatically when it was downloaded

Edited by Celtic_symphany, 22 November 2006 - 10:13 PM.

[wannabe1]

Do you have an XP installation cd? Is it a retail version or a recovery cd supplied with the machine?

[Celtic_symphany]

don't think there's a cd...think it just auto ran when I first started up the comp...only have it like 2 months

[wannabe1]

What make and model number is your machine?

[Celtic_symphany]

it's a HP Pavilion a810.uk Desktop PC

[wannabe1]

Run a System Restore (Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - System Restore). Choose a date before you first noticed the problem.

Then download and install the Windows Installer from the Microsoft site. Installer

Try to install your programs again.

[Celtic_symphany]

ok...tried the system restore...I chose a date relatively close to when I first started the pc and it went into auto reboot...it said that it was installing updates again and hung for 7mins...I had to hold power button to turn off and turn back on again...when it came back on it said restoration failed...that's like the 20th time I've had to hold down the power button to shut off in the last 2 days and that can't be good for the pc right? lol

Edited by Celtic_symphany, 22 November 2006 - 11:16 PM.

[Celtic_symphany]

any more ideas on this problem pls??

[Leurgy]

This is a shot in the dark but you could try the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility.

[zbd]

Use "dial a fix" version 0.60.0.24 to fix installation problems. I have used it and it handles these kinds of problems.

Good luck.

[Kurenai]

I don't mean to butt in, but I wanted to make sure this had been attempted:

http://consumer.inst....asp?id=Q108340

Installshield has a GREAT consumer help knowledgebase, we used to rely on it quite a bit.

[Celtic_symphany]

thnx for the replies u guys...downloaded the windows installer cleanup utility but when I tried to run it, it stalled saying 'preparing to install'. I ran dial a fix and it didn't change. I also folled the steps from that link kurenai and I was still getting the same error message. Another thing that I noticed is that when I try to shut down the computer and windows has updates to install, it just seems to stall saying the usual 'please don't shut off your computer, installing update 1 of 1...etc' (I have left this for an hour at one stage and still nothing...) any other ideas on what the problem could be and possible solutions?

Edited by Celtic_symphany, 26 November 2006 - 05:07 PM.