Install problem - error 1327

[ReflexDave]

Hi,

Last week I installed a new HD(WinXP installed on this one) on one of my computers and because forgot to disconnect the old HD, the OS drive became D:. Now, this isn't a problem in general, but when I tried today to install LW it gave me "error 1327 - Invalid Drive C:". So, I did a search and it appears that this is an InstallShield problem that has the drive C: hardcoded into it's install script. And just to be sure that the CD wasn't bad, I tried installing it on my laptop and yes, it managed to start the installation. So my question is if there is a way around this problem that wouldn't require reinstalling the OS.

[gjjackson]

I haven't installed in a long time but you should be able to select where to install. Just change the C in C:\Lightwave to a D: and you should be alright.

[ReflexDave]

The problem hapens just after you click setup.exe(or autorun kicks in) and while you get these messages with "lighwave is preparing the installshield program to guide you....". Then this error popsup and the setup program closes.

[gjjackson]

One thing you can try is logging on as a different user. LW installs config files in the user Documents folder and maybe it's looking for that directory, i.e. , if you're logged on as administrator. You could modify some registry settings but unless you really know what you're doing I wouldn't suggest it because changes are immediate. Was XP system actually installed on D. You could probably do a search in the registry for "C:\" and see if there's a problem with that entry and change it to "D:\". But be careful.

In any event, if this is a new install of XP I'd probably reinstall the OS just to clear up any problems in the future. Anytime installing Windows it's always preferrable to have a good install since problems can develop down the road that don't show up initially. The biggest problem I have with Windows is there isn't a really effective registry cleaning solution. You'll notice the registry just keeps getting bigger all the time. This is a big problem if you install and remove software very much. Even though the install wizard shows removing registry entries it doesn't do it completely.

[ReflexDave]

Yup, because I didn't disconnect the old HD first, windows was installed on D:. Now normally this isn't a problem and I installed quite a bit of programs since last week. Every single one recognized D: as the system drive. Except for the LW Installshield who for some reason has the drive C:\ hardcoded into it's script. Which seem quite a programming error to me. I'm actually quite surprised that no one complained about it before. BTW, I tried logging in as a different user but it didn't help. Tried searching the registry, but nothing substantial came up. Now, I don't have a problem reinstalling the OS, but it's a pain in the butt even if it is a fresh install and I'm hoping someone might know a way around this.

Now, as far as registry cleaners go, check out jv16 powertools here : http://www.macecraft.com. I've been using it for quite some time deleting hundreds of registry entries and it never caused me any problems. Excellent piece of software. Not expensive either.

[gjjackson]

You're making me really trying to think here. The only other thing I can think of on install path is the Temp dir. But I would've thought other install would have encountered a problem.

Any way (I'm not sure where it's at in XP but should be similar). Under the system properties, the advanced tab, there should be a button for environment variables. Here is where the system paths are. You can change just the drive letter. There must be something reporting to the install wizard to use C:. I think the wizard is the standard InstallShield for C that MS has and it's not hardcoded where directories are. The only 'hardcoding' is where the default path is.

Myself, I usually change where the system puts the Temp directory. I prefer to use that for my own and have the system use one of MY choosing.

[Justinw]

Hi there,

I have had the exact same problem a month or two ago. Are you installing 7.5 by any chance??? My OS dir is H: (due to a Win 2k crash, and installing with a backup HD in place at the time...) I'm pretty sure its just a install bug (***don't reinstall the OS, it won't help!!***). Try to install 7.5c, (should work OK), then copy across all the missing files (presets, etc.... from your original CD) to the appropriate directory. All should be sweet then.

Cheers,

Justin W.

[ReflexDave]

Ok, that did it. Thanks a lot. You just saved me from reinstalling the OS.

[Justinw]

No probs; glad I could help :)