Vista HP. Cannot install programs

[ali_mac]

Hi all. I cannot get a program (.exe file I presume) to run on my pc.
About a year ago I cliked in a window 'do not show this again' and I think
the problem started then.
If I download a program, as soon as I run the file from the server (or the
d/loaded file from the desktop) a win expl8 window pops up with nothing in it
and then endlessly repeats. I have to restart to clear it. Windows is fully
up to date. Core2 duo 1.8 with 4GB ram. all windows maint done.
I have tried sfc /scannow but as I installed with an upgrade disc it is now
too old for the current OS and is not accepted.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

If you were unable to run executable (.exe) files, you'd pretty much have a
non-functioning machine. It's more likely that you are having issues with
installers (.msi) files. First thing to do is run the installer cleanup
utility and use it to clear the dregs of the last program installed prior to
this problem beginning. You can download it here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
Vote for my shoe: http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[ali_mac]

Thanks very much Rick, that looks to be the case. I d'loaded from the link
and removed several old entries. I suspect it was quicktime as I remember
having trouble doing the install and probably had a broken file.Problem seems
to be fixed.
Your time and input much appreciated. Thanks Ali_mac