Still having problems

[felicia]

am having probelms with my computer. Whenever I try to install something I
get error messages that say:
Error extracting support files, can not find path specified.
I have been all over message boards everywhere and cant seem to find what is
wrong. So I called Dell last night and they said I need to install Windows
Installer, then if that does not work I need to reinstall the OS. Is there
something someone is missing? I am really not wanting to reinstall the OS.
Also, Can someone point me to the right Windows Installer? Is there just a
program that will repair WinXp files. I can not find my disk that came with
the computer to reinstall XP

I have Windows XP SP3 on a Dell Dimension 4550.

 

[windmap]

Alternatively you may try repairing windows installation .Call dell to
perform windows repair instalation.Iam not sure repairing the installation
would solve your installer problem .But repairing would be better than
reinstalling.

 

[Daave]

am having probelms with my computer. Whenever I try to install
something I get error messages that say:
Error extracting support files, can not find path specified.
I have been all over message boards everywhere and cant seem to find
what is wrong. So I called Dell last night and they said I need to
install Windows Installer, then if that does not work I need to
reinstall the OS. Is there something someone is missing? I am really
not wanting to reinstall the OS. Also, Can someone point me to the
right Windows Installer? Is there just a program that will repair
WinXp files. I can not find my disk that came with the computer to
reinstall XP

I have Windows XP SP3 on a Dell Dimension 4550.

It's possible you installed SP3 incorrectly (Microsoft doesn't make it
easy!).

Here's the first thing I would do: Uninstall SP3 (Control Panel | Add or
Remove Programs). Then reboot and perform a System Restore to the time
before you installed SP3:

Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | System Restore

Hopefully that will fix your problem. If so, please let us know and
someone will instruct you on the best way to install SP3.

For reference:


(For those who have PCs with AMD processors and OEM images, especially
HPs

"Does your AMD-based computer boot after installing XP SP3?"

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx

(or http://tinyurl.com/6zs52d )


"Windows XP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation"

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

(or http://tinyurl.com/6nf4k4 )


"Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717


"Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (All Languages)" (Free Microsoft
support for SP3-related issues)

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

(or http://tinyurl.com/6cw2xk )

 

[Daave]

am having probelms with my computer. Whenever I try to install
something I
get error messages that say:
Error extracting support files, can not find path specified.
I have been all over message boards everywhere and cant seem to find
what is
wrong. So I called Dell last night and they said I need to install
Windows
Installer, then if that does not work I need to reinstall the OS. Is
there
something someone is missing? I am really not wanting to reinstall the
OS.
Also, Can someone point me to the right Windows Installer? Is there
just a
program that will repair WinXp files. I can not find my disk that came
with
the computer to reinstall XP

I have Windows XP SP3 on a Dell Dimension 4550.

MS's news server is acting flaky once more. If you haven't seen my
response already, Felicia, here it is again (I wonder if the Tiny URL
links are setting off spam filtering...):

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/f28c61614b3b006d

 

[HeyBub]

am having probelms with my computer. Whenever I try to install
something I get error messages that say:
Error extracting support files, can not find path specified.
I have been all over message boards everywhere and cant seem to find
what is wrong. So I called Dell last night and they said I need to
install Windows Installer, then if that does not work I need to
reinstall the OS. Is there something someone is missing? I am really
not wanting to reinstall the OS. Also, Can someone point me to the
right Windows Installer? Is there just a program that will repair
WinXp files. I can not find my disk that came with the computer to
reinstall XP

I have Windows XP SP3 on a Dell Dimension 4550.

Contact the supplier of "something." They may want you to have the version 3
MS installer.