Hey. Nicely laid out explanation. Refreshing.
You could very well try installing the software again using compatibility mode for XP SP3.
To do so, right click on the installer's .exe file and choose properties. There's a compatibility tab to go to. I trust by my estimation of your intelligence that you can figure out the rest.
If it is on CD or DVD, copy entire contents to HDD first. Then do as I've outlined.
After, run the .exe and install. Might be better to uninstall original attempt prior to new install.
Good luck and let us know if this works for you. Hopefully you make some great designs. heh heh