Error 1325 - 'File name' is not a valid short file name.

Hi,

I don't know how I got into this state - When I remove or install software
on my Vista machine, I receive the following error:

Error 1325 - 'File name' is not a valid short file name.

I found the Microsoft KB article #328162 that addresses this problem by
downloading Windows Installer Clearup Utility from KB#290301. But when I
install the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, it gives above message again.

This is a chicken and egg problem. Can anyone help me to get rid of this
problem, or a workaround?

Thanks,

p.s. BTW, I don't have Office XP installed on my Vista. I run Office 2007,
which is un-touched on my Vista machine.

Bobby