How to stop the 'Preparing to Install' and 'configuring Office' messages?

[Danny J. Lesandrini]

I loaded Office XP on a new laptop because that was the version that all
the users had. Later, I decided to add Office 2003. After installing all
the service packs and patches, I started getting these messages when I
switched from one version to the other. (works both directions)

Message Box:
Preparing to Install

Message Box:
Please wait while Windows configures Office Professional 2003

After uninstalling and reinstalling Office 2003, the problem went away,
until I reinstalled the last few patches, namely the Excel patch. I don't
mind losing the Excel append stuff, but I hate this Re-config business.

Anyone know a way to stop the reconfiguration of office each time a
different version is opened?

 

[Danny J. Lesandrini]

Joseph:

I'm sorry I didn't actually mention Access. I would have thought that my
name was familiar enough to this newsgroup that one would assume I knew
to which group I was posting.

The problem is a Microsoft Access one. Perhaps it happens with Word or
Excel, but I sincerely doubt there are users out there running different
versions of those apps side-by-side. However, I think there's one or two
Access developers who use multiple versions for various clients and/or
projects, and I'm guessing that someone has seen this before. I just want
to know if anyone has figured out a hack to fix it.

Now, the solution may require a registry tweak, or the removal of a patch,
but if anyone has gone to the pains to solve it, they will be here, in this
newsgroup, or one of the other Access newsgroups. I believe I've posted
to the correct group. It was not a mistake.

I must admit, it irritates me too when people post to the wrong group but
you should at least try to give the poster the benefit of the doubt. I mean,
it's not like I asked how to potty train my fish. By posting what you did,
you in essence flagged my post as "answered" without providing anything
of benefit. More than likely, I'm going to have to post again to get noticed.

Thanks for nothing.

 

[Jeff Conrad]

Danny,

I believe the culprit update is KB article 904018.

The same problems have been reported for many months
and Microsoft has not come up with a resolution as of yet.
(much to our dismay)

You could try uninstalling 2003 as you previously did,
but do not install that particular update after reinstalling
2003. I have the last four versions installed, but do not
see the installer message because I have not installed
that update.

--
Jeff Conrad
Access Junkie - MVP
http://home.bendbroadband.com/conradsystems/accessjunkie.html
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/articles.html

in message:

 

[Danny J. Lesandrini]

Joseph:

Sorry if I snapped. This issue has irritated me so much, I've uninstalled
Access 2003. I prefer v03, but if I can't run it along with XP, then it has
to go.