Windows Installer runs when right clicking C:\ in My Computer

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
subscription current?
McAfee Virusscan Enterprise 8.051( I think that's the version, it's at home,
I'm at work). Updates def files daily, runs targetted scan daily, full scan
weekly.

What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
MBAM and SuperantSpyware run manually, Adaware in background.

What third-party firewall (if any)? Were any of these applications running
in the background when you attempted to install SP3?
Proventia firewall

Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the
computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought
it)?
I believe it came with Norton. Never been used, and I THINK it was
uninstalled before McAfee was loaded.

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

I'm not trying to install SP3 yet, I'm still trying to figure out how to fix
the" right click on C drive bringing up the Installer window " problem.

Thanks,

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Thanks for clarifying.
>
> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
> What third-party firewall (if any)? Were any of these applications running
> in the background when you attempted to install SP3?
>
> Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the
> computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought
> it)?
>
> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718
>
> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>
> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 was
> available from 14 April 2008 thru May 2009. Such support will cost you
> US$59 per incident now. [You snooze, you lose.]
>
>
> Dellphinus wrote:
> > PA Bear,
> >
> > Machine has had SP2 installed for a long time, I just installed the
> > latest
> > updates to it (I think there was only one Security update outstanding on
> > it).
> >
> > "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
> >> If you only just now got around to getting WinXP SP2 installed, you
> >> haven't
> >> installed ANY critical security updates since October 2006 so there's no
> >> WAY you could trust the security of the computer (or your data) now,
> >> despite what anyone at GeekstoGo told you.
> >>
> >> And there's no way any anti-virus application would be working on a WinXP
> >> SP1 computer either.
> >>
> >>
> >> Dellphinus wrote:
> >>> PA Bear,
> >>> Can you elaborate? This computer was just given a clean bill of health
> >>> at
> >>> the GeekstoGo site. ANd I've been running Black Ice firewall and McAfee
> >>> Enterprise.
> >>> What nastie does this?
> >>>
> >>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
> >>>> See...
> >>>>
> >>>> Help: I Got Hacked. Now What Do I Do?
> >>>> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l.../cc700813.aspx
> >>>>
> >>>> Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%
> >>>> trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of
> >>>> Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will
> >>>> NOT
> >>>> fix this!
> >>>>
> >>>> HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See
> >>>> http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method 1
> >>>> in
> >>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307
> >>>>
> >>>> After the clean install, you'll have the equivalent of a "new computer"
> >>>> so
> >>>> take care of everything on the following page before otherwise
> >>>> connecting
> >>>> the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers)
> >>>> and
> >>>> before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't
> >>>> been
> >>>> freshly formatted:
> >>>>
> >>>> 4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx
> >>>>
> >>>> Other helpful references include:
> >>>>
> >>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully
> >>>> patched
> >>>> (after a clean install)
> >>>> http://groups.google.com/group/micro...5afa8ed33e121c
> >>>>
> >>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after
> >>>> a
> >>>> clean install)
> >>>> http://groups.google.com/group/micro...66ae41add7dd2b
> >>>>
> >>>> Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install
> >>>> KB971029
> >>>> manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029
> >>>>
> >>>> NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the
> >>>> computer
> >>>> when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is
> >>>> reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the
> >>>> appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows Service
> >>>> Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus
> >>>> application
> >>>> (which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).
> >>>>
> >>>> Norton Removal Tool
> >>>>
> >>>> ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/englis...moval_Tool.exe
> >>>>
> >>>> McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool
> >>>>
> >>>> http://download.mcafee.com/products/...tches/MCPR.exe
> >>>>
> >>>> Also see:
> >>>>
> >>>> Steps To Help Prevent Spyware
> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx
> >>>>
> >>>> Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms
> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx
> >>>>
> >>>> Avoid Rogue Security Software!
> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx
> >>>>
> >>>> If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in
> >>>> admitting
> >>>> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
> >>>> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair
> >>>> shop.
> >>>> --
> >>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> >>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Dellphinus wrote:
> >>>>> Correction- clicking CANCEL brings up the context menu. CLicking OK
> >>>>> generates File Not Found.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> "Dellphinus" wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>>> Just installed latest updates for SP2 in prep for SP3 install.
> >>>>>> After the install, any time I right click on C:\ in My COmputer or
> >>>>>> Windows
> >>>>>> Explorer, I get the windows Installer. "The feature you are trying
> >>>>>> to
> >>>>>> install is on a CD-ROM or other removable disk that is not avaliable.
> >>>>>> Insert the " disk and click OK. "Use Source" option box has then
> >>>>>> numeral
> >>>>>> 1 in it. Clicking OK after clearing the Use Source box results in the
> >>>>>> right click context menu coming up withj no apparent ill effects.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> System information (complements of a previous encounter with Mr.
> >>>>>> Stanley
> >>>>>> :-) ) Windows version 5.1 (Build2600.xpsp2_gdr.090804-1412:Service
> >>>>>> Pack
> >>>>>> 2
> >>>>>> Dell DImension 4500, Intel processor
> >>>>>> Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Results ALL Passed
> >>>>>> MGA Diagnostics Report
> >>>>>> Diagnostic Report (1.9.0019.0):
> >>>>>> -----------------------------------------
> >>>>>> WGA Data-->
> >>>>>> Validation Status: Genuine
> >>>>>> Validation Code: 0
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Cached Validation Code: N/A
> >>>>>> Windows Product Key: *****-*****-3WWXQ-2VJRX-T6XKG
> >>>>>> Windows Product Key Hash: rMG42bVgCPBKBWJPdRV2mNNEr0w=
> >>>>>> Windows Product ID: 55277-OEM-2141875-62038
> >>>>>> Windows Product ID Type: 3
> >>>>>> Windows License Type: OEM System Builder
> >>>>>> Windows OS version: 5.1.2600.2.00010300.2.0.hom
> >>>>>> ID: {F3F1404E-5C64-4760-9C1C-3F6E9B8B2BF4}(3)
> >>>>>> Is Admin: Yes
> >>>>>> TestCab: 0x0
> >>>>>> WGA Version: Registered, 1.9.9.1
> >>>>>> Signed By: Microsoft
> >>>>>> Product Name: N/A
> >>>>>> Architecture: N/A
> >>>>>> Build lab: N/A
> >>>>>> TTS Error: N/A
> >>>>>> Validation Diagnostic: 025D1FF3-230-1
> >>>>>> Resolution Status: N/A
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> WgaER Data-->
> >>>>>> ThreatID(s): N/A
> >>>>>> Version: N/A
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> WGA Notifications Data-->
> >>>>>> Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
> >>>>>> File Exists: No
> >>>>>> Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
> >>>>>> WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
> >>>>>> WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> OGA Notifications Data-->
> >>>>>> Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
> >>>>>> Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
> >>>>>> OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
> >>>>>> OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> OGA Data-->
> >>>>>> Office Status: 100 Genuine
> >>>>>> Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 - 100 Genuine
> >>>>>> OGA Version: Registered, 2.0.48.0
> >>>>>> Signed By: Microsoft
> >>>>>> Office Diagnostics:
> >>>>>> 77F760FE-153-80070002_7E90FEE8-175-80070002_025D1FF3-230-1_E2AD56EA-765-d003_E2AD56EA-766-0_E2AD56EA-134-80004005
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Browser Data-->
> >>>>>> Proxy settings: N/A
> >>>>>> User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
> >>>>>> Default Browser: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
> >>>>>> Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
> >>>>>> Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
> >>>>>> Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
> >>>>>> Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
> >>>>>> Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
> >>>>>> Active scripting: Allowed
> >>>>>> Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> File Scan Data-->
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Other data-->
> >>>>>> Office Details:
> >>>>>> <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{F3F1404E-5C64-4760-9C1C-3F6E9B8B2BF4}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0019.0</Version><OS>5.1.2600.2.00010300.2.0.hom</OS><Architecture>x32</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-T6XKG</PKey><PID>55277-OEM-2141875-62038</PID><PIDType>3</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-1708537768-1078081533-839522115</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>DELL</Manufacturer><Model>DIM_4500</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Intel
> >>>>>> Corp.</Manufacturer><Version>A02</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2"
> >>>>>> minor="3"/><Date>20020522000000.000000+000</Date><SLPBIOS>Dell
> >>>>>> System,Dell
> >>>>>> Computer,Dell System,Dell
> >>>>>> System</SLPBIOS></BIOS><HWID>FBF8388701842062</HWID><UserLCID>0409</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>Central
> >>>>>> Standard
> >>>>>> Time(GMT-06:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM/><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>100</Result><Products><Product
> >>>>>> GUID="{90110409-6000-11D3-8CFE-0150048383C9}"><LegitResult>100</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft
> >>>>>> Office Professional Edition
> >>>>>> 2003</Name><Ver>11</Ver><Val>B90A82CB9436500</Val><Hash>QkyZNrhgPP7BeMX/VkVt7x/e8Zg=</Hash><Pid>73931-640-1545006-57285</Pid><PidType>14</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App
> >>>>>> Id="15" Version="11" Result="100"/><App Id="16" Version="11"
> >>>>>> Result="100"/><App Id="18" Version="11" Result="100"/><App Id="19"
> >>>>>> Version="11" Result="100"/><App Id="1A" Version="11"
> >>>>>> Result="100"/><App
> >>>>>> Id="1B" Version="11" Result="100"/><App Id="44" Version="11"
> >>>>>> Result="100"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Licensing Data-->
> >>>>>> N/A
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Windows Activation Technologies-->
> >>>>>> N/A
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> HWID Data-->
> >>>>>> N/A
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
> >>>>>> BIOS string matches: yes
> >>>>>> Marker string from BIOS: 145B4ell Inc|19CC0:GENUINE C&C
> >>>>>> INC|145B4:Microsoft Corporation
> >>>>>> Marker string from OEMBIOS.DAT: Dell System,Dell Computer,Dell
> >>>>>> System,Dell
> >>>>>> System
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
> >>>>>> N/A
> >>>>
> >>>> .
> >>
> >> .
>
> .
>

<comments inline>

<entire conversation>
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...834efab3b77822
</entire conversation>

Dellphinus wrote:
> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is
> your subscription current?
> McAfee Virusscan Enterprise 8.051( I think that's the version, it's
> at home, I'm at work). Updates def files daily, runs targetted
> scan daily, full scan weekly.

IMO - Uninstall Mcafee, cleanup after it with the McAfee Remover tool.

Get a different antivirus.
Free: Avira AntiVir;
Cost: eSet NOD32 (AV Only, 2 years, Home and Home Office)

> What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
> MBAM and SuperantSpyware run manually, Adaware in background.

I would drop AdAware completely and purchase MalwareBytes (*if* you need one
running resident.)

I would uninstall SuperAntiSpyware and only download/scan with it if you
need to cleanup after a mess.

> What third-party firewall (if any)? Were any of these applications
> running in the background when you attempted to install SP3?
> Proventia firewall

I would uninstall any/all third-party firewalls.

In the last few years I have seen them cause more issues than they fix. The
Windows Firewall in combination with common sense works just fine. If you
have a NAT router (your LAN IP is a private IP like 10.10.x.x or
192.168.x.x) - even better - the combination does just about everything you
will need.

> Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on
> the computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled
> when you bought it)?
> I believe it came with Norton. Never been used, and I THINK it was
> uninstalled before McAfee was loaded.

Again - uninstall McAfee and run the removal tool.

Since Norton *might* have been on there, download and run their removal tool
as well.

> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718
>
> I'm not trying to install SP3 yet, I'm still trying to figure out
> how to fix the" right click on C drive bringing up the Installer
> window " problem.

May end up being the same thing. ;-)

Good Luck!

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> <comments inline>
<snippage>
>> McAfee Virusscan Enterprise 8.051( I think that's the version, it's
>> at home, I'm at work). Updates def files daily, runs targetted
>> scan daily, full scan weekly.
>
> IMO - Uninstall Mcafee, cleanup after it with the McAfee Remover tool.

McAfee *Consumer* Products Removal Tool won't touch any McAfee *Enterprise*
leftovers, Shenan.

> I believe it came with Norton. Never been used, and I THINK it was
> uninstalled before McAfee was loaded

Norton (and McAfee) SOHO applications are notorious for not uninstalling (or
upgrading) cleanly.

1. Download the Norton Removal Tool, saving it to your desktop:
ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/englis...moval_Tool.exe

2. Close all open applications (i.e., anything with an icon on the taskbar).

3. Double-click on the file you saved in #1 above to run the utility. Don't
TOUCH your keyboard until the run completes, then reboot.

> I'm not trying to install SP3 yet...

Better get a move on, then: Extended Support for WinXP SP2 ends on 10 July
2010. After that date, computers running WinXP SP2 will NOT be offered any
further critical security updates, Automatic Updates will not work, and
Windows Update website will not be accessible until SP3 is installed.


Dellphinus wrote:
> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
> subscription current?
> McAfee Virusscan Enterprise 8.051( I think that's the version, it's at
> home,
> I'm at work). Updates def files daily, runs targetted scan daily, full
> scan
> weekly.
>
> What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
> MBAM and SuperantSpyware run manually, Adaware in background.
>
> What third-party firewall (if any)? Were any of these applications running
> in the background when you attempted to install SP3?
> Proventia firewall
>
> Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the
> computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you
> bought
> it)?
> I believe it came with Norton. Never been used, and I THINK it was
> uninstalled before McAfee was loaded.
>
> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718
>
> I'm not trying to install SP3 yet, I'm still trying to figure out how to
> fix
> the" right click on C drive bringing up the Installer window " problem.
>
> Thanks,
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>> Thanks for clarifying.
>>
>> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
>> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than
>> Defender)? What third-party firewall (if any)? Were any of these
>> applications running in the background when you attempted to install SP3?
>>
>> Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the
>> computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you
>> bought
>> it)?
>>
>> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718
>>
>> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
>> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>>
>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 was
>> available from 14 April 2008 thru May 2009. Such support will cost you
>> US$59 per incident now. [You snooze, you lose.]
>>
>>
>> Dellphinus wrote:
>>> Machine has had SP2 installed for a long time, I just installed the
>>> latest
>>> updates to it (I think there was only one Security update outstanding on
>>> it).
>>>
>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>>> If you only just now got around to getting WinXP SP2 installed, you
>>>> haven't
>>>> installed ANY critical security updates since October 2006 so there's
>>>> no
>>>> WAY you could trust the security of the computer (or your data) now,
>>>> despite what anyone at GeekstoGo told you.
>>>>
>>>> And there's no way any anti-virus application would be working on a
>>>> WinXP
>>>> SP1 computer either.
>>>>
>>>> Dellphinus wrote:
>>>>> Can you elaborate? This computer was just given a clean bill of
>>>>> health
>>>>> at
>>>>> the GeekstoGo site. ANd I've been running Black Ice firewall and
>>>>> McAfee
>>>>> Enterprise.
>>>>> What nastie does this?
>>>>>
>>>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>>>>> See...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Help: I Got Hacked. Now What Do I Do?
>>>>>> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l.../cc700813.aspx
<snip>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Dellphinus wrote:
>>>>>>> Correction- clicking CANCEL brings up the context menu. CLicking OK
>>>>>>> generates File Not Found.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Dellphinus" wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Just installed latest updates for SP2 in prep for SP3 install.
>>>>>>>> After the install, any time I right click on C:\ in My COmputer or
>>>>>>>> Windows
>>>>>>>> Explorer, I get the windows Installer. "The feature you are trying
>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>> install is on a CD-ROM or other removable disk that is not
>>>>>>>> avaliable.
>>>>>>>> Insert the " disk and click OK. "Use Source" option box has then
>>>>>>>> numeral
>>>>>>>> 1 in it. Clicking OK after clearing the Use Source box results in
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> right click context menu coming up withj no apparent ill effects.
<blithersnippage>