Helping a friend with his computer. This has been an on-going problem for several months. First we could not get Kodak Easy Share software to load on this computer. We kept getting messages that this or that file could not be found. After ten days off and on with the Kodak help people we abandoned that software and installed Picasa without any problems.
Today we attempted to install the software Sonar 7 (Cakewalk) and again encountered the problems with the installer not being able to locate files. Sonar7 is a very large program and the error messages only begins after six minutes or more into the setup installation.
This time we get a message, “Windows Installer is not installed correctly”.
Now what, do we install a new copy of Windows Installer or do we reinstall Windows?
Can Windows XP be installed over its self without problems?
Thanks

yes, a repair install will work great as long as you have the proper XP install disc. I've done it many times:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...
You will have to redo the critical up-dates as they will be gone after a repair.

Before you do that you may want to try start/run and sfc /scannow to replace any damaged window files. Be sure to have the XP disc handy when asked for.

Some HELP in posting on Cnet plus free progs and instructions Glad to Help!

XpUser4Real, thanks. Since this is the eve of the new year I doubt if I get to that computer today but I will tomorrow and I will do as you suggested. He does have a full install disk for Windows XP.
I will post back the results when we have completed the task.

Happy New Year to everyone.

Not long ago, I came into a situation where nothing could be installed. Then I thought to myself that the problem could be that Windows installer is corrupted. I
downloaded and ran Windows Script 5.6 and rebooted the machine. Lo and behold, everything finally worked fine with no problem installing any software. Try it first. You never know.

i_Xp/VistaUser

Thanks a million XpUser. We certainly will give that a try before doing anything else.

You will be getting a lot of snow in NY later today if not earlier. I sure hope you like that fluffy white stuff.
I do not!
Regards

oldslowpoke,

You're very welcome and good luck with your upcoming endeavor.

Snow? What snow? The sky is too blue for snow. In any case, the weather forecast for New York City predicted shower around 10-11 AM, with temperature above the 34-degree Fahrenheit mark. This mark usually signifies there will be no snow, and that is just perfect for the thousands of party animals coming here tonight to celebrate New Year in Times Squad. I understand the NYC Police are now putting up barriers to block cars and trucks from entering the Off Limit zone that extended 5 to 7 or more blocks from Times Square in all directions and that a heavy security force will be deployed.

i_Xp/VistaUser

To Oldslowpoke from another old slow poke. I wouldn't think a reinstall is called for in this case. I agree with XpUser that the problem most likely involves the Windows Installer.
But if a reinstall is called for, be carefull. If it's an OEM system a reinstall could wipe out everything and return the system to the way it came from the factory. As XpUser stated, a 'Repair' install using a Microsoft XP install CD will only cause the loss of the MS updates.