Word 2002: Error 1402.

I cannot update Word 2002, or even uninstall it. Whenever I try I get:

“Error 1402. Setup cannot open the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\OptionalComponants\IMAIL Verify that you have sufficient permissions to access the registry or contact your computer’s manufacturers product support for assistance."

I looked in the Registry key and there was no IMAIL component in the OptionalComponants folder. How do I create the IMAIL component and install it in the key, if indeed this is at all necessary. All that is in that folder is: Name: "˜ab’ (Default). Type: REG_SZ. Data: (Value not set).

Is there a "˜tweak’ I could apply to the registry key? I’ve found the Microsoft article on this subject unhelpful, as the suggestion creates more work than necessary. Can anyone help please?

H.

O.S: XPHome ed' on Packard Bell computer.
WordProcessor: Works Suite 2002. (I'd like to upgrade but I can't take the thing out unless I can sort out the registry problem.)

 

Take a look at the MS KB article, Error Message: Error 1402. Could Not Open Key....

If there's no help there, a Google search for "error 1402" gave me 79,900 hits.