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New Programs don't install

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Padre, 2007/07/09.

  1. 2007/07/09
    Padre

    Padre Inactive Thread Starter

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    When I try to start a new program (install .exe) I get an hour glass for approx 20 seconds and then nothing. If I go to windows task manager I can see setup.exe in the processes but nothing happens.

    I am not sure how recent a development this is as I haven't tried to install anything new in quite some time. I tried a system restore but still the program won't install.
     
    Padre,
    #1
  2. 2007/07/09
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Padre - Welcome to the Board :)

    Are you logged in with Administrative Rights - you will need to be to install programs - see screenshot ....

    If you are - Is your install of XP fully updated?

    Suggest you update your Windows Installer ....

    Windows Installer 3.1
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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  4. 2007/07/09
    Padre

    Padre Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks for the welcome!

    Yes, I am the only user of this computer and while I do have a limited use user set up, I am signed on as the Administrator user.

    I also installed the update you suggested and still get the same results.

    Additionally, I run Adaware and Spybot on a weekly basis and have not detected anything out of the ordinary.
     
    Padre,
    #3
  5. 2007/07/09
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    OK - a few more questions - very basic, but need to know :) ....

    Where are you trying to install the program from - hard drive or CD/DVD?

    If you are using a CD-ROM drive is there any indication on the drive that it is working - light steady or flashing?

    If you are using a DVD - obvious question, but you have a DVD drive?

    If installing from a CD-ROM/DVD drive does the drive read other disks?

    Is the program you are trying to install compatible with XP?

    If it is a legacy program right click on the .exe file > Properties > Compatability tab and try to run in Compatability mode.
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2007/07/09
    Padre

    Padre Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have tried both. In fact, I have tried a CD version and a downloaded version of the same program

    Light flashes but then stops

    Yes, both are DVD/CD drives

    Yes they work fine

    yes

     
    Padre,
    #5
  7. 2007/07/09
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Have you tried installing any other software - the problem may be specific to that particular program - which is??
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2007/07/09
    Padre

    Padre Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have tried two different programs that will install on my other computer

    1. Adobe Fireworks CS3 (downloaded directly from Adobe
    2. Quickbooks

    Again both installed on another computer running WindowsXP
     
    Padre,
    #7
  9. 2007/07/09
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    Any errors listed in your Event logs?

    To open Event Viewer, go to Start > Run and type eventvwr.msc, click OK.

    Check your Application and System logs for errors.

    You can double click on any error for more details, and there is also a button to copy the error to your clipboard for easy copying & pasting.
     
    Arie,
    #8
  10. 2007/07/09
    Padre

    Padre Inactive Thread Starter

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    There are no recent errors - I tried to install again and checked again - still no errors
     
    Padre,
    #9
  11. 2007/07/09
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Have you tried installing in Safe Mode?
     
    PeteC,
    #10
  12. 2007/07/09
    Padre

    Padre Inactive Thread Starter

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    I tried and the program tried to open windows installer but I got an error message saying that it couldn't open in safe mode.

    So with that information I started normal but shut off everything I could (that opened on startup) and I WAS able to install. I should have gone about it systematically so I know which item is causing the problem but I CAN do that next time.

    Thanks for helping me think through this problem, now all I have to do is identify what program is preventing program installation for future installs.

    Thanks again!
     
    Padre,
    #11
  13. 2007/07/10
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Glad to hear that you resolved this problem - a bit of a puzzler :) Thanks for the update and if you do find the culprit please post back for our future reference.
     
    PeteC,
    #12

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