KB958559 fails to configure in Windows 7

Hello,

I am running Windows 7 Professional 64-bit edition on a brand-new Dell Inspiron. I have an AMD that is capable and set for virtualization. I have 6GB of RAM, and when I say the computer is "brand-new" I mean it - I just unboxed one week ago tomorrow!

I have installed all Windows updates that were due (two total), and other than A/V, all that is as yet installed on the HD (320GB WD) is Office 2003, Roxio, Winamp, and my Bible-study software.

I downloaded the XP Mode files from microsoft, and followed the path they said (install XP Mode, then the KB958559 file (which is Virtual PC). The KB file installs and configures to about 98%, then states that it failed and rolls everything back out again. I tried every way I could think of, including setting all my accounts to Full Control (as some sites said there had been share issues), and nothing worked. I also tried it as you folks have it on the site here: With no XP Mode installed, I tried to install the KB file first, and the exact same thing happens.

Without going into details that would take ages and paragraphs to explain - I ordered this system because of numerous issues I was having with my other computer that were preventing me from concentrating on and getting my schoolwork done. I have to have a fully functioning PC for school, and it MUST run VirtualPC as I need to use it FOR much of my current schoolwork. Not having time to build a new PC myself right now - I ordered this one...and now am stuck at this point.

Does anyone know of anything that will resolve this? Has Microsoft said anything anywhere about this issue (it looks like it's been around since last year w/Vista and 7 Beta users both).

If I were to install Virtual PC 2007 Sp 1 (which I can still get on the ELMS site) instead of the one in the KB file, would that operate with XP Mode???

I greatly appreciate any and all help and advice anyone can offer.

Key-ripes! I can hear the crickets in here...

So apparently this forum is just a place to waste ones time...

Have you tried running SecurAble from here:

GRC|SecurAble: Determine Processor Security Features|

This will ensure that you can actually run XP Mode.

I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but as I can't run it, I haven't got much experience with it.

I'm surprised you haven't had more help, I must say.

You might also want to check your BIOS and ensure that all the virtualization stuff is enabled/on.

If all that checks out, then perhaps create a new Administrator account and try from there. Possibly download the whole thing again if all else fails?

Hope that helps.

Howdy!

Sorry to say that your suggestions have been tried (I've lost track of all the things I've done!). It looks as if a failed install of a completely unrelated NIC driver (that was supposed to be optional anyway!) is somehow stopping Virtual PC from installing.

What I (think I) need to know now is how to find the files/details on my system that hold the info for that failed install in my Windows Update and delete/remove it all; then when Windows tries to tell me to download it again, just hide it. Theoretically, that should clear the road so to speak.

But hey, thanks a heap for just saying "Hi" even, and for attempting to help.

Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas!!

serloren

Do you have the latest BIOS for your motherboard? What is the error message you are getting during the failed install? Hard to believe an unrelated NIC driver is at fault.

No problem mate. :)

I'll take a guess and say it was the Realtek drivers...
I installed them from Windows Update and started getting random reboots, and 'Kernel Power Failure' error messages.

Can you not go into Device Manager and uninstall/roll back the driver?
Actually when you're in there, click on the device then 'Driver', then 'Driver Details', that should at least point you to the files.

Have a Merry Christmas also.

Yes the BIOS was updated after I received the system from Dell, and all my drivers are up to date - including the Realtek driver that seems to be at the heart of the issue. What apparently happened is that Windows Update (which was still configured to run and install automatically at the time (the day after I received the system) - my bad), downloaded and attempted to install a driver that was already older than the one I had out of the box, and so it failed to install. And since the Windows Update list shows it as failed (incomplete), it is somehow blocking the Virtual PC from finishing its configuration stage, and at about 96% it rolls back out.

I think that if I could locate the file/record that tells Windows Update that it failed to install that driver, it would then re-attempt, and if I hid the update...I should be good since the actual driver installed is up to date and working fine. *shrug*

>Can you not go into Device Manager and uninstall/roll back the driver?

No, because the driver is the initial one, and the only one on the system. If I uninstall it, I won't have one running on the system and will then have no internet connection...