Thanks to some time researching the "Error 1606" message on Microsoft's
Website I have resolved my issue, and I am writing back to provide the answer
for others.
The current article (26DEC2005) that helped me was at this URL:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315352
ERROR 1606 is related to issues resulting from an upgrade to Windows XP from
Windows 98, 98SE, or Windows ME.
I strongly urge you to read the article in the URL above that Microsoft
provides for more information; editing of the registry should not be done
without first backing up the existing registry, and the article explains in
detail HOW to do this and WHY the ERROR 1606 problem arises.
Essentially here is the issue--
Because of an upgrade to XP from ME, some registry settings were not
adequately changed, and no software could be installed without receiving the
Error1606 and failing.
The key in the registry was:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User
Shell Folders\Common Administrative Tools
I had to find the NEW path to the Administrative tools folder, and replace
the registry key VALUES for entries where it said:
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools
to
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools
CHECK YOUR COMPUTER TO VERIFY WHAT THE CORRECT PATH TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE
TOOLS FOLDER IS BEFORE MODIFYING THE REGISTRY, DON'T JUST ASSUME YOUR
ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS FOLDER IS WHERE MINE IS--not all PC's are set-up the
same!
Also, make certain that you completely backup your registry before
performing such a procedure-- I went ahead and in that entire registry key I
replaced "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%" with the path it SHOULD have been for the
current XP install (C:\Documents and Settings\All Users)
I then rebooted the machine, the problem was resolved, and I was able to
sucessfully complete the install of MS-Antispyware Beta1.
Hope the information helps.
(e-mail address removed)
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