This installation package could not be opened - Vista

Question

My Dimension 9200 has just been returned following repair by Dell with two new hard drives and a fresh Vista installation. Most of my software has reinstalled without problems, but I am unable to get some items to install. These include Microsoft Autoroute 2004, Adobe Lightroom and Google Earth. The common error theme is:

This installation package could not be opened. Verify the package exisits and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid Windows Installer package

I have spent a long time talking this through with Adobe support. Although helpful, Adobe say this is a Windows Vista issue. I tried installation before before and since installing Vista SP1.

Is it just me or is Vista a bit of a pig? Windows XP was not perfect but I do not recall it giving so many problems.

jamesdeh · Answer

Thanks for your input - I have tried the right click and running as administrator and also running in XP compatability and all the other dodges I can think of. This includes Selective Startup mode to disable my Norton antivirus etc.

This issue is covered in Microsoft support for Office 2007, but not for other software. I have even tried the workrounds listed for the specidfic Office issues. I still end up with the same message. Really annoying as I can get the same stuff to run on my 'old' PC running Vista. Other Adobe software - CS3 programmes - all work well and installed from a download without any problems.

I stand by my comment that Vista is a bit of a pig. I think aero is just a pleasant detail - it does not actaully do anything to help me work faster. XP ran well for me from day one but I waited for a year before getting rid of Windows 98.

The problem is getting help. It is assumed that Vista is the problem and that is when you end up not being able to get any assistance. Hence this post.

eskymi · Answer

Are you installing them from CD, or from an icon on your desktop?

If it's an icon on your desktop try right mouse clicking the installer program and then select RUN AS ADMIN, see if that let's you install it.

As for VISTA being a pig, well it depends on if you have problems or not. I have had very few issues, in fact far fewer than I had with XP, so I like it. But others don't. I have had only 1 program that didn't work with VISTA but did under XP. But when I switched from 95 to XP, almost all my software wouldn't work. That did not make me dislike XP, I just chalked it up to "that's what happens with progress." But looking back I must say that I have had more issues upgrading and switching from 95 to XP, moreso than XP to VISTA>

I like the features in premium and Ultimate, such as the Aero stuff and the Dreamscene. But once again, others don't.

kirkd · Answer

Just downloaded and installed Gogle Earth on my M1530. Took about 1 minute total with no problems. Where did you download it from? From the Google site, the Google Updater downloaded. just double-clicking it performed the down-load and installation. Didn't need to Run as Administrator this time just to test it. I usually do for most programs.

XPS M1530, Vista Home Premium SP1, T7250 Core 2 Duo (2.0 GHz 800 MHz FSB), 4 GB DDR2 667 MHz RAM, 200 GB SATA II 7200 RPM, Nvidia 8600M GT 256 MB, Wireless-AGN Mini-Card, BlueTooth, WSXGA+ High Def LCD (1680x1050) w/ 2 MP Camera

Dimension 9100, Dual-Boot Win XP SP2/ Vista Home Premium SP1, 3.0 GHz P4, 3 GB DDR2 533 MHz RAM, 160 GB SATA II Samsung (XP), 300 GB SATA II Seagate (Vista), 250 GB SimpleTech USB (WD Drive), Nvidia Go 6800 (425/825 MHz - XP, 400/800 MHz - Vista, Vista Driver - 169.25), Dell 1901 UltraSharp FP

Inspiron E1705, Win Vista Premium, T7200 Core 2 Duo (4MB, 2.0 GHz 667MHz), 2 GB DDR2 677 MHz RAM, 120 GB Samsung HD, Nvidia Go 7900 GS - 156.69 Driver, 17” Sharp UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-Screen WUXGA

jamesdeh · Answer

Google Earth works a treat on my 'old' PC. I dowloaded the software for my Dell to bring it back to its pre-repaired state and the error message arrived and prevented installation. I think there is a missing or damaged file in the registry. Shame there is no one on this forum who has resolved a similar problem. This is not confined to Adobe or Google software but Microsoft too. I need world map software to enable me to locate certain locations around the globe. Thanks to this issue I have to have my laptop - running XP - on as well.

On the plus side, I have downloaded a patch from Canon that enables me to view RAW files in Windows Photo Gallery. No download or installation issues. So my Vista is not completely stubborn. And that is why it is just a bit, as opposed to being a complete, pig.

My Dell hardware is pretty good but since having new HD drives fitted it is very noisy. As that is the reason it was away for a week to be fixed.......

bjlldawgz777 · Answer

I have been getting this message on a brand new 64-bit inspiron running on windows 7. i have tried to install virtual dj, solidworks,microsoft office, blackberry desktop manager, hercules mpe-e2 software and they all give the message saying " this installation package could not be opened. Verify that the package exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid windows installer package".

I then followed advice from youtube, google and various forums and the problem continues. i then tried to use the drivers and utilities disc provided by DELL and some of the drivers can not install. I get the same message!!! Im in disbelief at the moment. This was my first Dell!!! £460 for a laptop that does not install drivers that it is supplied with sounds like a rip off. and apparently i have to PAY DELL to help me over the phone.

Windows + DELL = utter rubbish!!

And dont advice me to chance it on a replacement. If fire burns you once you aint gna put ur hand in there again.

Windows General

This installation package could not be opened - Vista

Was this post helpful?