Microsoft Video Screensaver Won't Install - Windows XP
2014-07
HyperText404
When I try to install Microsoft Video Screensaver, it tells me I need to validate Windows. When I click "Continue," it opens up a link in IE and runs a script to test my Windows XP copy's validity. It then tells me my Windows copy is genuine, and redirects me to a page with MSE and IE available to download.
Meanwhile, the Microsoft Video Screensaver installer stops and says "Installation was interrupted before Microsoft Video Screensaver could be installed. You need to restart the installer."
I have tried multiple ways to get my Windows validated to work with the installer (it IS genuine), but nothing works (WGAPluginInstall, the WIndows Genuine Advantage Plugin for Firefox fails to install with error code 0x80070003).
What do I do?
Cornelius
I think the Installation was interrupted error comes from Windows Installer. You may have to update your system.
You can try to install Windows Installer v4.5 and then restart your PC. You will also need DirectX runtimes and .NET Framework v1.
Try again to install Video Screensaver. If you still get errors, try to create an install log:
msiexec /i <path to msi file> /l*vx C:\SomeDirectory\SomeFilename.log
hlovdal
I am about to apply updates to a windows xp installation I have not booted in a couple of years. When going to update.microsoft.com, it forced me first to accept an activex installation and now it wants me to install wga:
Windows Update
To use this latest version of Windows Update, you will need to upgrade some of its components. This version provides you with the following enhancements to our service:
<... useless list of "advantages" ...>
Details
Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130) 1.1 MB , less than 1 minute The Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool enables you to verify that your copy of Microsoft Windows is genuine. The tool validates your Windows installation by checking Windows Product Identification and Product Activation status.
Update for Windows XP (KB898461) 477 KB , less than 1 minute This update installs a permanent copy of Package Installer for Windows to enable software updates to have a significantly smaller download size. The Package Installer facilitates the install of software updates for Microsoft Windows operating systems and other Microsoft products. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Total: 1.5 MB , less than 1 minute
I have heard nothing but bad things about wga, and I absolutely do not want it installed on my system (this answer seems to give some options).
Searching for "windows xp" at microsoft's web pages brought up this page which says
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers
Brief Description This installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers downloading and > installing on multiple computers on a network. If you're updating just one computer, please visit Windows Update at http://update.microsoft.com . ... File Name: WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe
I am currently downloading this file. Will installing this bring my installation up to date with security updates? What about later updates whenever a new problem is discovered, how can i update without using wga?
Evan
AutoPatcher is another way you could probably install updates without needing to use the Windows Update site directly.
David Spillett
you can download recent bugfixes at softwarepatch.com, without fearing WGA
and here's a tutorial for a DIY Service Pack
Synetech
I have to disagree with @torgenb's comment. The OP was precisely concerned with "big brother stuff". The reason given was
I have heard nothing but bad things about wga
Since the only thing WGA does is phone home and share machine gossip, then "bad things" are phoning home, and sharing machine gossip. Ipso facto, big brother. On this point, the OP might want to read this thread on the Microsoft forums, since it discusses the two levels (types) of WGA, and how often they "phone home".
While the Multiverse IT post is less to the point than earlier answers, it is relevant. And, he does bring up what might be a valid objection to downloading and manual installations:
a recipe to be hacked or otherwise suffer from malware infestations
Assuming one downloaded only from MS, I can't see how doing it manually would be any more likely than the more usual MS automatic updates to carry any hacks or infestations. However, if one was doing all this manually, one might also take a shortcut and download somebody else's version of the update files. Doing it all yourself would be a lot of work.
Anyway, the OP got good answers on "how-to" do the manual updates and avoid WGA. Given the number of XP updates, though, I have to agree with the opinions that it isn't worth the trouble. Every set of updates would have to be examined in detail. And new updates are still coming.
Hiero2 - running WinXP and Linux mixed environment.
Multiverse IT
If you want to avoid most kinds of big brother stuff, then you need to use linux. Apple is vengeful big brother with draconian measures to prevent software from working (look at the iPhone) and Microsoft is just plain big brother. Trying to avoid it is, in my opinion, a HUGE WASTE OF TIME. Fine, don't like it, but wasting the time downloading everything off line and patching manually is a recipe to be hacked or otherwise suffer from malware infestations.
To date, helping others in various forums and from my own personal consulting experience, I have not seen one incident that WGA caused a major problem with. That doesn't mean it can't or hasn't happened, but to me, it's an irrational fear - if you have properly obtained your copy of Windows, then you have nothing to be concerned about. The odds of a problem are probably up there with the odds of dying in a plane crash - yes it could happen, but statistically, your safer than when you drive to the airport.