I have just re-installed my Win-XP but I am having a problem installing programs. It seems that I do not have Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1. But in updating my Win-XP with both Windows Update and Microsoft Update the programs cannot install the Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1. After downloading programs like Avast Free Antivirus and Free Zonealarm, Windows Defender and other Windows Updates, I tried to install but continuously get the error message that the files are not digitally signed or that they cannot be installed or that the installer is corrupt. I have been looking in Internet Options and made it less secure to get these updates going but to no avail. Where did I go wrong ? What is hindering the execution and installation of the downloaded files ? What can I do to be able to download and install programs ? Thanks for helping

Download & install Windows installer 3.1 from this link. i_Xp/VistaUser

Possibly because you are not using Windows Genuine Advantage. That is simply a verification process to assure MSoft you are not running pirated software. WGA verification is needed for downloading of many items on the MS update sites. Are you downloading the installer from a 3rd party in order to avoid installing WGA?

Bingo - OtheHill scored on the possible culprit. If that's the case, go legal. i_Xp/VistaUser

I have a legal copy of Windows XP and upgraded it with SP2. I cannot download and install WGA (GenuineCheck.exe) because the response is that WGA so validation is not possible !! But I find the genuinecheck file on my desktop, where I usually download and doubleclick on it it will not open, rightclicking and OPEN gives the same result.

If you are caught in some kind of loop try going the Control panel> add/ remove programs. check the box to show updates. Windows Genuine Authentication Validation tool should be listed there. Unistall and reboot, then try again for the validation tool.

Alas !! This "UPDATE" cannot be removed, it says. Meanwhile my computer has been able to update the XP SP2 spontaneously, according to the Belarc Advisor. Now what I think is happening is that there must be something wrong in the computer software, as all non-XP program files I download will not install, as there come all sorts of error messages, mostly that it is a corrupted file or there is an I/O error. E.g. ZoneAlarm, Avast etc. When I try to run them in the download window, I get the message that they are blocked because they have no digital signature. But to me it seems as if digital signatures are not recognised, because when I click on the link "unknown author" I find that there is a digital signature. And when I click on the files in the download directory, they can sometimes be installed. What could be wrong ? Do I have to re-install again ????