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Windows XP Installer Message “Preparing to Install” pops up continously

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Hi,

I have suddenly developed a problem with my Toshiba laptop. It is running Windows XP Media Center Ver 5.1 with service pack 2 installed.

Several days ago the windows installer started displaying it’s “preparing to install” message box. It does *not* display any program name in the message.

The pop up happens when the system starts, when windows explorer is activated or when any of the MS office suite is started. The Adobe programs do not seem to cause this behavior.

This behavior started after a failed installation. I backed out of the install *and* did a system restore. The failed install was for one of the Adobe programs which, as I noted above, are not affected by the pop up.

I’ve seen a few posts that describe similar problems, but I haven’t seen any solutions.

Do you have any idea what is causing this and how I can make it stop?

Thanks!
Katrina

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Clarifications

In reply to Windows XP Installer Message “Preparing to Install” pops up continously

Clarifications

uninstall, reinstall. rinse. repeat.

In reply to Windows XP Installer Message “Preparing to Install” pops up continously

since the Adobe prog is what hung, and if it has to do with Adobe reader or Adobe Acrobat, it has tie ins to office.

I would uninstall the Adobe prog, and do a repair install of office. If that doesn’t work, uninstall/reinstall office.

Another step I would do: before each step, do a reg clean using ccleaner.

I hope this helps.

I’ll try – that rinsing though… LOL

In reply to uninstall, reinstall. rinse. repeat.

Thanks Pete,

I’ll try it.

Cheers,
Katrina

Also try the MS Installer Cleanup Tool

In reply to uninstall, reinstall. rinse. repeat.

The MS Installer Cleanup tool from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301 can also help if you are unable to uninstall a botched installation.

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