Need help, can't install Fallout 3

[TheCheesy4]

I bought Fallout 3 GOTY a couple days ago, but when I installed it, I got a (-5006) : 0x8000ffff error as soon as the installation started. I tried it in numerous computability modes and running as an administrator, but to no avail. I got desperate and tried installing it on my other computer, which runs Windows 7 home Premium 32-bit, and it worked fine.

Unfortunately, that computer is crap, so I moved the InstallShield folder from that one over to this one, and lo and behold, I get a different error message. Yay, I guess. Anyway, the new one says this:

Error Code: -5004 : 0x80070002
Error Information:
>SetupDLL\SetupDLL.cpp (3085)
PAPP:Fallout 3
PVENDOR:Bethesda Softworks (http://fallout.bethsoft.com)
PGUID:974c4b12-4d02-4879-85e0-61c95cc63e9e
$11.0.0.28844
@Windows Service Pack 2 (6002) BT_OTHER 0.0

I have no idea what it's on about, and while I have contacted Bethesda tech support, they're currently making me jump through the same hoops every tech support seems to make you jump through , so I was wondering if you fine people might be able to help me out here.

Ta.

 

[richc46]

Windows 7 Compatibility for fallout 3: Drivers, Updates, Downloads

 

[TheCheesy4]

Windows 7 Compatibility for fallout 3: Drivers, Updates, Downloads

So does that mean there's no way of getting it working?

 

[richc46]

Not according to me, but MS says not compatible. There are always ways, I guess, Registry hacks etc. but dont go there.

 

[holo88]

if you have a 32 bit version of windows 7, you can always make a duel boot on your 'non crap' machine. Granted you have enough space on your hdd to do so. Sorry to hear that 64 bit doesn't work, Fo3 is an amazing game.

here are a few success stories I came across. haven't actually read them fully, but i hope they are useful.
Microsoft Answers
Steam Forums

 

[Wishmaster]

Have you tried this:

Do not let the installer auto run. Just close it out.

Then browse the FO3 disc for setup.exe.

Right click and set it to compatability mode Vista SP1
Then, Right click the Installer (setup.exe) and 'Run as Administrator.

 

[TheCheesy4]

Have you tried this:

Do not let the installer auto run. Just close it out.

Then browse the FO3 disc for setup.exe.

Right click and set it to compatability mode Vista SP1
Then, Right click the Installer (setup.exe) and 'Run as Administrator.

No luck there, I'm afraid

 

[Wishmaster]

Odd.

Is it possible its the CD/DVD drive having issues?
Considering it worked fine on your second PC.

 

[TheCheesy4]

Odd.

Is it possible its the CD/DVD drive having issues?
Considering it worked fine on your second PC.

I could try it on my laptop, but if it is the disk drive, I don't suppose there's anything I could do, is there?

If it means anything, here's my disk drive (Samsung SH-B083L 8x BD-ROM with DVD±RW DL SATA.. | Ebuyer.com). It couldn't be the Blu-Ray-playing-ness, could it?

 

[Wishmaster]

Odd.

Is it possible its the CD/DVD drive having issues?
Considering it worked fine on your second PC.

I could try it on my laptop, but if it is the disk drive, I don't suppose there's anything I could do, is there?

If it means anything, here's my disk drive (Samsung SH-B083L 8x BD-ROM with DVD±RW DL SATA.. | Ebuyer.com). It couldn't be the Blu-Ray-playing-ness, could it?

No. It shouldn't have any impact on reading DVD or CDs at all.
So long as the drive itself is OK, connected properly etc ...

I have a BluRay drive as well, and have never had such issues reading or installing from DVD/CD media.
Although, the problem you are having may have nothing to do with the drive itself, it seems to me its the major piece of hardware difference between a succesful install, and failure on both Win7 machines.


Only thing I can think of to test the theory, besides swapping out the Drives ..

Copy the Disc to the other PC. Then copy that folder to your main PC via your network share.
Try installing the game directly from the folder.

Or, use a USB thumb drive.


Hopefully someone else has a better suggestion.

 

[richc46]

If you are going to persist in trying to make the game run, which may or may not be a good idea, be sure to start with a system restore point.