I am Administrator, but installation privileges lost?

[Guest]

I am attempting to install/update my Java following its recent security
problem. I log in as the Administrator, but as installation begins, I receive
"Error 1303: The installer has insufficient privileges to access this
directory.... The installation cannot continue. Log on as an administrator or
contact...."

Well, I am the administrator and am logged in as such. Might an MVP have a
clue as why this is happening and how to remedy it? BTW, I have no problem
installing other programs. I tried installing others to confirm and the
problem seems to only be the case with Java. I do not think the file is
corrupt as I have already used it with no problems on my other computer. I am
running XP Pro SP1. Thanks.

 

[Malke]

I am attempting to install/update my Java following its recent
security problem. I log in as the Administrator, but as installation
begins, I receive "Error 1303: The installer has insufficient
privileges to access this directory.... The installation cannot
continue. Log on as an administrator or contact...."

Well, I am the administrator and am logged in as such. Might an MVP
have a clue as why this is happening and how to remedy it? BTW, I have
no problem installing other programs. I tried installing others to
confirm and the problem seems to only be the case with Java. I do not
think the file is corrupt as I have already used it with no problems
on my other computer. I am running XP Pro SP1. Thanks.

I can't answer the "insufficient privileges" issue, but whenever I've
had trouble installing Java, I've uninstalled the old one first and
then completely deleted all Temporary and Temporary Internet Files. I
may have gone into Windows\Downloaded Programs too and got rid of any
Java there, also. It seems that sometimes old bits of previous Java
will prevent successful installation of a new one.

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks, but things now appear even worse than I thought. However, I will try
your suggestion first. Worse? My System Restore is dead for some unknown
reason and I cannot go back. So, I'm stuck right now with no Sun Java.

Might this all stem from a god-awful experience with Windows Update a couple
of days ago? That was a miserable failure where I am left unable to install a
"critical" .Net upgrade. And, that appears to be caused by a bug Microsoft
has determined is unworthy of repair--although it cost me my weekend as I
pulled my hair out trying to figure out the problem, and it leaves my system
insecure (according to Microsoft). <sigh> Didn't Gates start going on about
some secure computing initiative by Microsoft a while back? Where is it? I've
yet to see any part of it. I only have problems that are not my creations.

And Microsoft wonders why it's hated so very much. (That is not directed at
you, Malke.) I'm really fed up with Microsoft products. They are beginning to
cost me time I do not have. They are now making my life very unpleasant far
too many hours of each week. I'd give my left arm for a Macintosh after the
last year of trying to live with XP, but typically failing most miserably.
But again, thanks--and I'll give your suggestions a try. <sigh>

Oh, one more thing--I went in and tried to tweak my administrator
privileges, but now get a message that there was an error trying to create:
C:\Program Files:\Common Files. Any thoughts there?

P.S. -- Let me know when I should begin to panic. <smile> I think I'm
getting close, however. <sigh>

 

[Guest]

Malke, I've tried your suggestions. I'm still stuck at the installation being
unable to create the directory C:\Program Files\Common Files. BTW, I had
already anticipated some possible problems and uninstalled the previous
version of Java first. BIG MISTAKE!

You know, I just want my computer back the way it was Saturday morning
before Microsoft's WU got its hands on it. I've had nothing but trouble with
it since then. (And this computer ain't getting nowhere near it! Thanks
goodness I have two systems. Sad, but that's what I'm finding--without two
systems, it would be a very tough life trying to be productive and make a
living with Microsoft and XP.)

This isn't fair. I do my part. Why can't Microsoft do its? I pay my
hard-earned money. Why don't I get decent products? Does Gates take pleasure
out of making peoples' lives living hells? It appears so to me.

Anyway, any other suggestions? This would not be a serious problem if my
System Restore had not also mysteriously died sometime after Saturday. I've
wasted almost two full business days with these issues. Please do not tell me
to set aside a full week to start all over with everything anew. If you do, I
will not. I'll sell that computer and start my Macintosh fund. It has become
all but impossible to live with Microsoft and XP. What genius thought they
were doing the world a favor by creating another Frankenstein? (Yes, I'm very
frustrated. I lost my Saturday, and now I've lost my entire Monday night.
And, it appears this could only be the start.)

I'm really tired. XP has fully exhausted me. I need drugs. I need bourbon.
But most of all, I want my money back and the option to return a very shoddy
product!

 

[Malke]

Malke, I've tried your suggestions. I'm still stuck at the
installation being unable to create the directory C:\Program
Files\Common Files. BTW, I had already anticipated some possible
problems and uninstalled the previous version of Java first. BIG
MISTAKE!

You know, I just want my computer back the way it was Saturday morning
before Microsoft's WU got its hands on it. I've had nothing but
trouble with it since then. (And this computer ain't getting nowhere
near it! Thanks goodness I have two systems. Sad, but that's what I'm
finding--without two systems, it would be a very tough life trying to
be productive and make a living with Microsoft and XP.)

First of all, we don't know that Windows Update did anything to your
computer. I have 4 XP SP2 boxen here, all XP Pro and completely
updated, that have no problem installing programs, as well as many,
many client machines that also run just fine. This does not invalidate
your experience, but lashing out isn't productive. Since you also
haven't told us whether your computer is 100% spyware and virus-free -
and if you think so, how you know this - we can't assume it is.

I Googled for your error message, and it is quite possible that you do
have permissions set incorrectly. Although I didn't find anything
specifically about installing Java, I did find this Adobe support
article that might help:

http://www.adobe.com/support/techdocs/329117.html

(snip rant)

Anyway, any other suggestions? This would not be a serious problem if
my System Restore had not also mysteriously died sometime after
Saturday.

There is something else wrong with your computer then.

I've wasted almost two full business days with these issues.

If this is a business, then call in a local professional to take a look.
Someone on-site can see quickly what the problem is and resolve it
where someone like me reading your description in a newsgroup often
cannot because factors that would mean a great deal to me as an on-site
tech are missing from your written words.

(snip another rant)

I understand you are frustrated, but there is no perfect software, no
perfect hardware, and no perfect users. Call a tech or take the machine
into a good local shop (not a BestBuy or CompUSA type of store) and go
do something fun while they fix it for you.

Good luck,

Malke