download and installation of software

[martin]

I have an HP pavilion 512n computer running Wimdows XP pro and I have this
problem whenever I download a program and install it it asks me to restart
the computer which is normal, But when it restarts the program is deleted
there is no trace of it in the computer. For example I downloaded internet
explorer 8 and service pack 3 there is no trace of them in the system. I
downloaded java same thing, I downloaded malware software same thing I can do
a scan but when I restart the program is gone.

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

I have an HP pavilion 512n computer running Wimdows XP pro and I have this
problem whenever I download a program and install it it asks me to restart
the computer which is normal, But when it restarts the program is deleted
there is no trace of it in the computer. For example I downloaded internet
explorer 8 and service pack 3 there is no trace of them in the system. I
downloaded java same thing, I downloaded malware software same thing I can
do
a scan but when I restart the program is gone.

See the many replies you received to this question since Saturday. Best to
continue with the original thread instead of starting a new one.

 

[The Seabat]

Are you logged on as an 'Administrator'?

 

[C.Joseph Drayton]

I have an HP pavilion 512n computer running Wimdows XP pro and I have this
problem whenever I download a program and install it it asks me to restart
the computer which is normal, But when it restarts the program is deleted
there is no trace of it in the computer. For example I downloaded internet
explorer 8 and service pack 3 there is no trace of them in the system. I
downloaded java same thing, I downloaded malware software same thing I can do
a scan but when I restart the program is gone.

If you are running an application like Returnil, that is expected
behavior. I run Returnil on machines where I know people might install
unsafe software or surf unsafe site. When Returnil is active, it will
allow the user to install software (this is necessary for one time
usage), but as soon as the system is reset, the configuration that I
installed is what the system always comes back to.

Programs like Returnil have a way of turning them off, but normally
require that a password be entered in order to de-activate.

As I recall about 4 years ago Microsoft also introduced such a product.
You might check with who-ever set up the machine to see if that is the case.