[such-the-fool]

Hi there,

Can anyone help me please? Something happened to my computer a while ago and now i am unable to install or uninstall programs.

I first noticed something was wrong with Microsoft Word. When i click to load it up, it comes up with a 'Windows Installer' box saying 'preparing to install' and gives me the option to cancel. If i leave it it will load as normal, but it will only load the program not the document i double-clicked on. So Word is loaded, but I then have to go 'File', 'Open' and load the file again to get it up. I get this problem too with a mobile phone program i bought and i installed - it says 'preparing to install' and i have to click cancel for it to load properly. I think it could be this program that has caused the problems.

I think this is related to my problem with not being able to install or unistall things. If I try to install something, it comes up with the'Windows Installer' box saying 'preparing to install' and gives me the option to cancel. Then it says 'Error 1500 - Another installation is in progress. You must complete that installation before continuing this one.' Likewise, if i go to 'control panel', 'add/remove programs' and try to get rid of something, i get so far then a box entitled 'feature transfer error' pops up which says 'Error 1618 - Another installation is already in progress. Complete that installation before proceeding with this install'.

I'd really appreciate any help on this cos i can't do anything at the moment! I'll be needing to install something quite important soon, and i wont be able to as it stands....

many thanks,

Mark