Windows 7: Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Installer Error

Hey guys.

When ever I try to play some games, for example GTA Vice City, GTA IV, GTA: EFLC, COD: MW2, COD, Black Ops etc from Steam (even from the Games DVD) it tries installing Microsoft Visual C++ 2005. I don't know what it is, and why it installs it or even needs it.



Screenshot:

Source: Visual Studio 2005

As I would understand it, the Visual C++ program on your machine would allow interaction with any other program (your games) that has been developed with any of the above mentioned programming languages.

Have you checked in Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Programs and Features, You may have C++2005, and 2008.

All you need to do is update them and the errors should stop.

I have Visual C++ 2008 and 2010. o.O

And you have most likely been getting and installing updates for them through Windows Update correct?

So now the games you like to play are asking for the 2005 version of C++.
An analogy would be if you went to a site, but could not play/watch their videos because it required Real Player or Quick time to play the videos.
So you would have to install one of those in order to watch the sites videos.

If you really want to play those games you will need to install the latest Visual C++ 2005, and you would probably need to install both the 32, and 64bit versions to be on the safe side.

Well, I tried installing the x64 version and I get the same error. No doubt it'd give the same error for the x86 version too.

EDIT: Just tried to install the x86 version and I get the exact same error.

NOTE: I have not got the SP1 update, since Windows Update has not installed or notified me about it yet.

Try disabling any antispyware and antivirus software you may have installed.


EDIT:
Are you trying the files from here? Download details: Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package ATL Security Update

Clean out your %temp% Folder.

Run SFC /SCANNOW

Try installing in Safe Mode

If all this does not help you may have to Repair your OS Install

Hope this can explain whats going on better:Troubleshooting 1935 and 2908 errors during installation - Aaron Stebner's WebLog - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

Already tried. Still won't fix the error. I've even reset the Windows Update using a tutorial on SevenForums, still no help.

That is odd that you have not received SP1 yet.

Have you seen my EDITS in post #6?

I don't want to reinstall Windows. Repairing my OS Installation according to the screenshots of the topics you posted, it completely cleans your Windows and removes all your files, user accounts, programs and games.

Well I have hit the wall as far as ideas, but I am going to post on another thread we have to see if any one has any more suggestions it may take a while, so hang in there, okay?