Cannot install software on Windows XP

Something has happened to my computer, and I can no longer install software on it. When I try, I get the error message "not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications"

I noticed the problem some time after i used a registry cleaner program, but I don't have the program anymore, and was wondering if I accidently deleted something?

Find the solution here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767

I had the same problem with a clients computer. I was unable to install any printers....programs...windows updates...etc. I fought with this issue for six hours. The event viewer was also registering errors every minute(I don't remember the exact Event Id number) I found a tech note on ms website and renaming the ebd.log file under c:\windows\system32\catroot folder did the trick for me. I following the article number of MS website if the ebd.log file does not work, there are other steps to try.....Article #822798


Jazz