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Computer is a Dell Dimension 1100 running Windows XPSP2. I had recently updated my iPod on this computer, and ever since I've been peppered with "Preparing to install..." WordPerfect12. And it wants an installation disk, which of course is not present. The file that is doing this is msiexec.exe and moving caused Windows to ask for the SP2 CD, which of course is also absent. Silly installation. I scanned it with AVG Free. Nothing. A systemwide AdAware scan is pending. Woo, 164. That's what they get for not scanning for 120 days. On a side note, I can't update AdAware. It gives the error before it downloads (which it does not due to the error).

Closing the installation only causes it to pop up again. Also, I already have Wordperfect 12 installed! Silly machine. I rooted around Google and the only solution I found could not be viewed because it wanted me to register for a trial version of some product I don't really care for. Silly programmers.

Is there any way of solving this short of deleting the file?

If you ned more information, just ask.

msiexec.exe is the process for the Windows Installer. Check you Startup tab through msconfig and UNCHECK everything except the antivirus program and firewall:

Start> Run>type in 'msconfig' (no quotes)> OK> click on Selective Start-up> Startup tab. For any programs you don't recognize, refer to any of the sites below for ID.

NOTE: if you can't see enough to ID the program name, put your cursor over the dividing line at the top of the column and move it to the right.

When finished> Apply> Reboot>Close the nag message that comes up after checking 'don't show this message again.' ( you will need to stay in Selective Start-up after making changes. If you do not, it will revert back to Normal and include the programs you stopped.)

STARTUP APPLICATION DATABASE LIST
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Taskl...s/tasklist.htm
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

Regarding the AdAware update> there have been numerous problems with these updates. I finally left it. but you should have at least 2 spyware/adware programs, updated. Here are 2 good, free ones:

For Spybot S&D: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Spyware Blaster:http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Since AdAware is out of date, please download, update and scan with the programs I've left. If you want to pursue the AdAware problem, please give me the Error message and number.

once you get it cleared up, give openoffice a try. www.openoffice.org