What are these mysterious Windows Installer errors??

[jbenj01]

I'm running Win2000 and keep getting a Windows Installer box that opens everytime I open Explorer and sometimes other applications.. It ALWAYS occurs on boot-up, as well..

The message says that the application that I'm tying to "install" or open can't be processed, then tells me to "browse" to a path that holds the "SGuard.msi" file to install "Veritas RecordNow Manager Update" program..??? What the heck?? Also, the original/default path that is already provided in the browse window contains a path to my "All Users.WINNT" folder that does NOT exist?? The path leads to a "temp" folder with something like "VIESPZ" (??can't remember exact..), but nothing like such exists in "All Users.WINNT" folder.. ??

I tried uninstalling (deleting) ALL Veritas applications/products, but keep getting this error. I've ran PC-cillin virus scan and came up with nothing. And I can't find any "SGuard.msi" files anywhere in my system. What/Who/When/Why is SGuard.msi?? This problem occurred several months ago and the only way I could solve was by re-installing a fresh copy of Win2k OS..

Can someone what's going on and provide a solution? If I do indeed have to re-install Win2k, can someone advise as to how to backup my "to keep" files/apps, i.e., burn to cd-rom?? Thanks much.

[SVCD4Me]

Sounds like you have a registry entry or something in your Startup folder that is pointing to install the program. I found SGuard on the web and its a program to control bass, treble and things like that for your sound card. Check Startup in the start menu and if there's nothing there, check the registry "Run" list.

[jbenj01]

Thanks. I found out that the 'SGuard' refers to StorageGuard, a free data backup app (made by Stomp Inc.) that was installed along with RecordNow Max, to which I do not have the cd-rom disc any more (I use Nero now).

So I downloaded the latest version of StorageGuard from http://www.stompinc.com/veritas/sg/sg.phtml?stp , but the darned thing will NOT install due to the previous version that is registered in my system. While downloading new version, it does give me the option to un-install the previous version (which it obviously recognizes), but it can't find it (based on the path given below)! ??? And what do you know.... the EXACT same Windows Installer error pops up that I described in my initial post above.. ???

Here's the path that is given by the WindowsInstaller error:

C:\DOCUME~1\jbenj\LOCALS~1\Temp\VIES21D5\UM\

When I navigate to the above, I only get to my "jbenj" folder--there is no "LOCALS~1" folder (which I think refers to LOCALSETTINGS, correct??).

What to do?? This is very frustrating.. Can anyone recommend a good book on Windows2000 OS and the various functions of the "Registry Key", drivers, etc.. and how they all 'communicate' or what role they play in my system?? This is a new language for me.. Thanks!

[jbenj01]

How do I "run the registry list"?? And what am I exactly looking for, ie., the SGuard.msi app or other?

[SVCD4Me]

Have you tried to uninstall it in the Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs?

The Run area of the registry I was talking about is under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Go to Start Menu, Run and type "regedit" to get there. Be careful what you delete, but if you find something pointing to the directory of your problem, then get rid of it and it will stop trying to install every time you boot. Also, did you check the Start menu - Programs - Startup folder?

[jbenj01]

Thanks for the info---will save it for what I hope will not be a next time.. '-)... because I got so frustrated last nite that I just decided to backup what I needed and format the drive/fresh re-install of Win2k..

But re: heatsink/compound and fan.. I was told otherwise--more the compound, the better.. ?? b/c I used half of the very small tube of compound that came with the chip..

I don't overclock so all I'll need is a new fan, yes? You named heatsinks, but are there some really good fans you could name? Because I re-installed AsusUtility and the low-threshold warnings continue.. so something isn't quite right.. Thanks.

[SVCD4Me]

fans and heatsinks??? hmm. Maybe you were thinking of another post?

[jbenj01]

Yep.. you're right.. sorry. :D