[Ask] Unable to install programs in XP

Hello all,

I'm having problem with my Windows. For a lot of programs, it is required for me to go into Safe Mode to install programs. It was okay at first, since all the problematic programs like NexusFile, MYOB etc can be installed using Safe Mode. However, when I tried to install doPDF (or other programs like CutePDF, PrimoPDF, BullZipPDF) the installation cannot be completed in normal mode like always, and I enter Safe Mode. BUT, using Safe Mode now still cannot install those programs because of printer driver or something. Printer works correctly in normal mode. doPDF finished installation in Safe Mode, but still cannot be used as a printer in normal mode. So still doesn't work, and I really need print as pdf.

Please give any suggestions to fix this problem without having to reinstall Windows. Thanks.

 

I take a guess that somehow your administration right is being clobbered. How about creating another user profile with full admin rights, then try the installation again?

cheers ...

 

This is the error when installing in normal mode. I think almost always happens with every program.

 

Many users mentioned that this could be caused by Bit Defender. If you have it, try uninstall and reinstall it and see.

cheers ...

 

Well, just going by the image you've attached, it looks like something's got a handle to the file that was involved, and that is preventing the installer from moving the file over.

One way you might try to find out what process is grabbing ahold of files your installers need would be to run Sysinternals' Process Explorer while you're attempting to install a program; once the error dialog pops up, that should basically stop the installer while it waits for your response, which should mean that you can poke around in Process Explorer to see what other process(es) might have a handle to that particular file open at the same time.