2003 Pro, SP1, E2561410.cab, sku011.cab

[Andy Lipscomb]

Using Office 2003 Professional on XP with SP 2

I tried to install Office 2003 SP1 from Office Update and
it has completely trashed my Office installation.

Initially, I clicked on the download link and
selected "run." Installation failed, saying I was
missing E2561410.cab, and asking me to insert the CD. I
don't have the CD. (The computer was originally
configured by a coworker in a different state.)

As suggested on the site, I then tried the "full file"
download, which is not supposed to require the
installation CD. I got the same result.

Next, I followed the online instructions more carefully.
I saved the full-file installation executable to disk and
ran it from file explorer. This time it says I need
SKU011.cab and asks for the installation CD.

Now if I try to run Word or Excel, the installer cranks
up instead and fails.

If I run the repair utility from Add/Remove programs, it
asks for the installation CD.

 

[Susan Ramlet]

Hi, Andy,

It sounds like you're going to need the installation CD. Not all full file
patches work all of the time. This article may provide some insight into
that:

Full-file version update may request Office source files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;840169

The SKU011.cab file should be found on the Office Professional Enterprise
2003 CD.

Did you allow Office 2003 to create a local install source when the original
installation was done? You should, to eliminate the need for future
requests for the CD. These should explain more about that:

Taking Advantage of a Local Installation Source
http://www.microsoft.com/office/ork/2003/two/ch3/DepC06.htm

Office 2003 Tool: Local Installation Source Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/office/ork/2003/journ/LISTool.htm

 

[Julie]

Andy,

I have the same problem. The system wants SKU011.CAB and the only file I
have on my CD for that is a "zipped file" which, when unzipped is a whole
bunch of other files. I can't understand why it would be asking for a
"zipped file." In any event, the installation fails so I cancel it but now
when I go to use "excel", the system cranks up and wants to run the install
again.

I wish Microsoft would fix this problem. Now I'm screwed up.

Julie

 

[Andy Lipscomb]

Thanks for the suggestions. I finally got my hands on
the installation CD and was able to recover.

Julie, you should know that CAB files are compressed
collections of other files similar to zip files. If what
you have has the ".cab" extension you probably have the
right file. You may still have some problems completing
the installation, however. Since you have the file, this
article will probably help you work through them:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-
us;555203