Rather new computer with windows XP. Problems with downloads of apps

[Soff]

I have a rather new computer which works with windows XP. However, I need some help:

When I try to install some programs as for example the msn messenger (free program!), the computer displays an error message like "the download was incomplete" or "the program is damaged". What's wrong?
I'm logged in as administrator and should therefore be able to install certain programs.
To make sure, that the program is indeed not damaged, I installed it on another computer. That was no problem. So, why doesn't it work on my computer? Can you give me some help?

Thanks a lot!

 

[neutrino]

Is the error message only "the prorgam is damaged," or are there any other details provided?

 

[NoTime]

You probably have a bad copy in cache.
Delete the copy in "Temporary Internet Files" and restart the download.
Once a file is cached it normally will not download it again, even though it said it did.

 

[BoredNL]

Just restarting the browser will make the file download fresh again (at least it does for me).

How are you downloading the files Soff? Does it give this error for all downloaded files or just that one?

 

[Soff]

Thanks for your help! But I couldn't solve the problem! Actually, I was looking for the Temporary Internet Files, but I couldn't find them.
The error message is not always the same:

Can not read compressed image file
Extract failed
CAB file is damaged
Download incomplete
...

So, I think the problem is not the process of downloading. I think there is something wrong with my computer.
A few weeks ago, I asked a computer specialist. He advised me to reformate the computer. I did so, and the problem is still there!

 

[neutrino]

Actually, I was looking for the Temporary Internet Files, but I couldn't find them.

Do a disk clean up.
IIRC Start->Program->System->Disk Cleanup (If you know where the "defragger" is, then that's the place :) )

 

[NoTime]

If you did a full reformat and reload the file may be damaged on the website.
Try a different mirror or contact the website.

Not likely that the messages you are getting is anything to do with your computer.
They are all saying the file is corrupted.

It is possible you have a virus that is causing this.

I think the path is the same under XP.

C:\Documents and Settings\?\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files

The ? part is your logon name.

You can also clear from "Internet Option" either from "Start->Settings->Control panel" or Tools on the browser menu.

 

[BoredNL]

If you try to install programs from other websites, does it give the same error?

 

[Dr Transport]

How about downloading the file to your desktop then installing, many times that fixes those types of issues.

 

[Soff]

Do a disk clean up.
IIRC Start->Program->System->Disk Cleanup (If you know where the "defragger" is, then that's the place :) )

Is it possible that I have no such program? I can't find something like that. Where can I get it?

If you did a full reformat and reload the file may be damaged on the website.
Try a different mirror or contact the website.

I tried already many sources without success. However, some of my friends had no problem with the same file on their computer!

It is possible you have a virus that is causing this.

I haven't heard about that, does there exist a virus which causes this error messages? I have the norton plus a firewall and something that is called spybot-SD installed. Is that enough?

How about downloading the file to your desktop then installing, many times that fixes those types of issues

I did try this way, but it didn't work. I get the same error messages

 

[BoredNL]

Again.. Do you have this problem with all programs that you try to install or is it just that one?

And yes, it is quite possible that a virus is causing this.

I suggest you do a free anti-virus webscan. (either look it up on google or someone else here can suggest where to go. I'm not too familiar with the different places to go for this because I have never needed to use it.)

You may need to reinstall windows or repair your installation. I can't tell you what the appropriate measure to take is though because you're not giving the information I need to know.

 

[ukmicky]

It could be but i doubt its a virus, but more than likely some corrupt windows files,try running the system file checker, from the run command type (SFC /scannow)you will need your windows CD for this one.

If that don't work then it could be a corrupt version of windows Installer which is part of windows. Many software manufacturers use it to manage the install process of their programs and when someone gets a problem like yours it can often be due to a corrupt version of this.

Download windows installer version 3.1 to see if it fixes your problem and make sure you follow the install instructions properly

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FC-5F56-4A38-B838-DE776FD4138C&displaylang=en

 

[Soff]

I installed the Windows Installer and tried again.

I'm so relieved! Finally, I could install the program! And it works!

Thanks for your helpful advises!

 

[ukmicky]

We're glad to have been of service

 

[BoredNL]

I still recommend you do a virus and disk scan though Soff.

Good work ukmicky.