When I try to install software and am prompted to double click on "setup.exe" or run "d:\setup.exe" if installing from DVD I get the error message "The handle is invalid. Failed to copy *.exe". What does this mean? What is the fix?

Do you have SP2 installed? Are you attempting to install while logged in with Administrator privileges? What software are you attempting to install? Can you install from CDs, or local setup/msi files, or do all installs fail? Did this just start? What Manufacturer/Model is your computer (Intel is not a manufacturer.) Lots of hits on Google, and the MSKB, but without more information, it's hard to determine the exact cause. Life's more painless for the brainless.

Since you asked ... "The handle is invalid" ...whats that mean Does this happen with every software you tried to install or is it just this one? i_Xp/VistaUser

How about trying a System Restoree to back before the trouble started?

I have since restarted my computer and the problem has gone away and the software has been installed. It was affecting both installing from DVD and files downloaded to my hard drive (2 different programs). The problem had just started. Other software installed no problem just prior to Christmas. Thank you for your replies.