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XP SP2 Windows Installer

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by trex604, 2011/09/05.

  1. 2011/09/05
    trex604

    trex604 Inactive Thread Starter

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    I just returned from an absence since my XP was running fine but now it has a problem that I just cannot resolve and has been going on for several months now. Several months ago whenever I was notified of updates for Office 2003, Adobe Reader and Java I would try to install those updates but they would fail saying my Windows Installer would not work or I was in safe mode (which I was not) however, when the monthly malware removal update arrived, it installed it just fine. Adobe said it was error 1601. I tried installing SP3 and after it got half way through it stopped and reversed itself and removed what it had done saying it could not install it due to an installer problem. I am not a high tech person but I tried a few things I picked up with other blogs without crashing the whole computer without success. I would therefore appreciate ideas on a possible fix that someone like me can accomplish. Thank you.

    Dave
     
    trex604,
    #1
  2. 2011/09/05
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi trex604. Try installing the latest version of Windows Installer which is available for download here, Windows Installer 4.5. See if that helps to resolve your problem.

    What is the exact error message that appears when you attempt to install SP3?

    Also please enter your System Details. It helps us in answering your questions.

    Note: A common error is to forget to show your System Details in your profile:

    Make sure to do the above when entering your System Details, thanks.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #2


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  4. 2011/09/05
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Are the date and time right on your PC?
     
    MrBill,
    #3
  5. 2011/09/06
    trex604

    trex604 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Yes on the date and time.
     
    trex604,
    #4
  6. 2011/09/06
    trex604

    trex604 Inactive Thread Starter

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    I will try to compile the system information today and post it.
     
    trex604,
    #5
  7. 2011/09/06
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Ok cool.

    If you can't install SP3 please let me know what error message you get so that we can investigate it further.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #6
  8. 2011/09/06
    trex604

    trex604 Inactive Thread Starter

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    The best I can remember was all it said was it was unable to complete the installation and then began reversing itself. It is a Dell Dimension 2400 Series with XP home 2002 with SP2. It went into service in Dec. 2003. It has Intel Pentium 4 processor at 2.4 Ghz, 1 GB Ram, 40 GB HD with 8 GB free. It has 48X max CD-RW drive and SB Live with 5.1 support. And I do not know if it will support the 4.5 installer should I be able to download it and try to install it. I did download that installer fix on the top of this listing but have not tried to install it yet since I don't know anything about it.

    Dave
     
    trex604,
    #7
  9. 2011/09/06
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    The Windows Installer 4.5 says that it will work on Windows XP SP2 or above. Give it a go, reboot the computer and then see if SP3 installs.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #8
  10. 2011/09/06
    trex604

    trex604 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Running out of time today so will try the 4.5 tomorrow, reboot and then try the SP3 again. I will keep you posted.
     
    trex604,
    #9

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