I had no idea how to open that .sif file and I accidentally discovered
that Notepad could read it, after I tried four other possibilities.
However, I hadn't a clue how to modify the .sif. If you can tell me how
to do that, I would give my XP CD a last try. Yeah, Paul told me about
it but it seems I was sleeping :-( At times I get woefully distracted.
One thread was that a .SIF file could be opened and edited with
notepad, yet it would be the last program I would use for that purpose.
Just any text editor will work.
I don't know if you can fix a problem with the install. I can tell you what to
look for but you have to be able to determine what is causing the problem.
----
First you need a CD to be able to edit "stuff" I use Hiren's BootCD
http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd you just need to find it.
Bart's CD is available, or similiar type CD.
First just try to install it again formatting the hd in the process.
It fails, reinstall it again but when it gives you the count down that it's
going to reboot (first Reboot) exchange your xpcd with Hiren's BootCD,
You will boot into hirens CD -or- turn off the system and boot until you do.
Don't lets windows start.
Use a program of choice from Hiren's to search for the textsetut.sif file, I
would expect it's missing, if so replace it with the one on the XPCD that you
have on hand for this, to C:\textsetup.sif. or just copy to C:\
Remove Hirens CD and reboot any error you get now will be real (in that you
have the files needed from the CD) and now you need to read *.log files to see
what the problem might be.
I have a very good link for of all the *.log files you can read to see what the
problem with an install (and program installs) are if it goes wrong or doesn't
install
http://www.mcmcse.com/microsoft/guides/troubleshooting_setup.shtml
Can't remember the log I would view, thought it was called setup.log but the
link claims SETUPERR.LOG so first log file to view is c:\SETUPERR.LOG
and see what you can see...
As for repairing the textsetup.sif file, that's just not going to happen.
Deployment packages create that file. There are a few changes you
can make but as a whole you not going to edit, or repair it.
If your having problems with your key there's alway RockXP
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/rockxp.html it's more versatile
than most sites let on. Read up on it. My NOD32 lights up when
I try to download it, just ignore any malware alerts.
Good luck.