Windows 7: HELP!! Software will not install on 7

Sort of a noob here, so go easy on me.

I performed a clean install of Windows 7 last night on a brand new, Quad core PC that I built from scratch. It has a 500gb HD and 4gb Ram.

Note- I had two hard drives so in the process I installed 32 bit on one and then I got curious and installed 64 on the other- SAME errors on both.

So I had installation disks from work, and I purchased the key from a friend. I installed 7, and installation went just fine. The problem was after that. The ONLY software that I can get to install is Microsoft Project 2007. NO other software will install. I have tried WordPerfect X4, I have tried Quickbooks(and yes I tried it in XP mode). I tried installing the software for my Wireless USB device, and then I tried installing software for my printer. NOTHING!!!! I get different errors everytime too- For example: "SetupARP.exe has stopped working," or "802.11 device did not install properly." Different every time.

Does anyone have any idea?

Welcome

Before we can come up with other ideas, make sure that they are compatible, per MS.

Windows Compatibility Center

I thought of that too, but I guarantee that they are all compatible. I have the exact same programs running on a 32-bit machine at work. Well, all but the 802.11 device. So compatibility is not the issue here.

Thanks though.

OK, my first idea was a no go, try this

Use the built in administrator account
to install.

If that does not work, try using that account with a clean boot

Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Hello Mammoth29, welcome to Seven Forums!


You can only have one install per key; you can not have both 32-bit and 64-bit installed with the same key.

I understand that Kid. I am not online, so there was no risk of authentication. I removed one hard drive and put the other one in to try it. But I do understand that as soon as the key authenticates, then I will only be able to have it on one machine.

Thanks for the help Rich. I hadn't thought of the cleanboot. I am at work, but I will give it a try when I get home.

Thanks again.

My apologies mate if it seemed as though I was giving you a hard time; some don't know that only one install per key.


If you can't sort it with Rich's excellent suggestion have a look at the tutorial at the link below.

Repair Install

No worries Kid! I know you are trying to help.

Thanks!

The great thing about this forum, you have the entire membership trying to help every other member.

Update- So I unlocked the Administrator account, but that didn't seem to work either. So then I went into the computer performance options and changed the Data Execution Prevention setting- (Right click "My Computer", select "Properties", "Advanced Settings", "Settings" under the Performance tab, and then clicked the "Data Execution Prevention" tab. I changed the setting to "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select." And then SHAM-WOW! It worked. I have installed everything I needed so far.

SO my question is whether or not I did something bad ! Or maybe it is just coincidence that it all started working after I changed that setting..?

Anyways, if anyone knows much about this setting, please let me know. Thanks.