Windows Installer keeps starting when I click any icon.

I was trying to set up an ad-hoc wireless network with two laptops.(both
running Win XP Home). I ran the Network set up wizard, then I enables File
and printer sharing. I wanted to rename the workgroup, so I ran the Network
set up wizard again and this time after I restarted my laptop, when I click
on any icon (on the desktop and the Start menu) a window for Windows
Installer starts up then changes to Acrobat Installer stating "Please wait
while Windows configures Adobe Acrobat 7.0.8".

I let it run once, and after restaring the laptop it is still happening. I
have tried rolling back with system rerstore but it still happens.

I noticed that my "Shared Documents" folder is now named "Documents". I can
access it but I am not allowed add files to it (it states Access denied). I
am logged using an account that has administrative privileges.

passdump wrote:

> I was trying to set up an ad-hoc wireless network with two
> laptops.(both running Win XP Home). I ran the Network set up wizard,
> then I enables File and printer sharing. I wanted to rename the
> workgroup, so I ran the Network
> set up wizard again and this time after I restarted my laptop, when I
> click
> on any icon (on the desktop and the Start menu) a window for Windows
> Installer starts up then changes to Acrobat Installer stating "Please
> wait while Windows configures Adobe Acrobat 7.0.8".
>
> I let it run once, and after restaring the laptop it is still
> happening. I have tried rolling back with system rerstore but it still
> happens.
>
> I noticed that my "Shared Documents" folder is now named "Documents".
> I can
> access it but I am not allowed add files to it (it states Access
> denied). I am logged using an account that has administrative
> privileges.

So, I assume that your question isn't really about the ad-hoc wireless
networking but about the two problems you encountered afterwards?

1. Clean up the Windows Installer by using the MSI Cleanup Utility:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;290301

Also see:
Resolving problems with the Windows installer -
http://www.rickrogers.org/fixes.htm#Installation
Windows Installer Fix (Line 94) -
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

2. For the Shared Documents issue, go to this page and look at the
information under Special Folders>Shared Documents:
http://computers.douglasthrift.net/winxpfaq/

Since all the problems started after you did whatever you did regarding
the networking, maybe you might want to try a System Restore to before
that date and start over. I don't know why you had problems with the
networking setup, but here's a link to information about doing that
ad-hoc:

Making the Wireless Home Network Connection in Windows XP Without a
Router - MVP Barb Bowman
http://tinyurl.com/2zkon

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

"Malke" wrote:
>
> So, I assume that your question isn't really about the ad-hoc wireless
> networking but about the two problems you encountered afterwards?
>
> 1. Clean up the Windows Installer by using the MSI Cleanup Utility:
> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;290301
>
> Also see:
> Resolving problems with the Windows installer -
> http://www.rickrogers.org/fixes.htm#Installation
> Windows Installer Fix (Line 94) -
> http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
>
> 2. For the Shared Documents issue, go to this page and look at the
> information under Special Folders>Shared Documents:
> http://computers.douglasthrift.net/winxpfaq/
>
> Since all the problems started after you did whatever you did regarding
> the networking, maybe you might want to try a System Restore to before
> that date and start over. I don't know why you had problems with the
> networking setup, but here's a link to information about doing that
> ad-hoc:
>
> Making the Wireless Home Network Connection in Windows XP Without a
> Router - MVP Barb Bowman
> http://tinyurl.com/2zkon
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User


Thanks for taking the time and effort to answer my query.

Yes you are right, my question isnt to do with the ad-hoc network directly,
but the consequences of having run the Network setup wizard.

I haven't had a chance to read in detail the pages you recomended just yet,
but having quickly skimmed some of them the Shared Document link


I will read them through just as soon as the boss isnt looking !!!

Thanks for the response- I do appriaicte it. Sorry for multi posting this
query on the Security and administration page. I am new to news groups and I
did not know I wasnt suppose to do it. I read you link on the difference
between cross posting and multiposting. It makes sense. Sorry again.

I meant to say in the previous post that I did run system restore, but to no
avail. The problem still occurs.