Office XP Home Edition Update Problem

[Mark]

Office automatically downloaded "critical" updates a few
months ago. The update process hasn't worked since. I
get to 40% and it crashes. The system won't allow me to
automatically or manually download updates. It also
won't allow me to uninstall Office XP so I can re-install
it so I can fix the update process. I'm hosed. Please
help me I think it's a common issue related to the
message below. I require detailed step-by-step
instructions. Thank you very much.

Windows Installer patch files (.MSP files) from
previously applied Office updates are missing from the
\Windows\Installer hidden directory on your computer. MSP
files are stored on your computer after update
installation completes because they need to be referenced
for future update operations. If the files are missing
you will not be able to apply Office updates. You may
also be unable to uninstall Office products as a result
of the same problem. Please contact Microsoft Product
Support for assistance.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

Did you contact Microsoft Product Support Services for assistance as
instructed??

--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact.


After searching google.groups.com and finding no answer:
Mark <[email protected]> asked:
| Office automatically downloaded "critical" updates a few
| months ago. The update process hasn't worked since. I
| get to 40% and it crashes. The system won't allow me to
| automatically or manually download updates. It also
| won't allow me to uninstall Office XP so I can re-install
| it so I can fix the update process. I'm hosed. Please
| help me I think it's a common issue related to the
| message below. I require detailed step-by-step
| instructions. Thank you very much.
|
| Windows Installer patch files (.MSP files) from
| previously applied Office updates are missing from the
| \Windows\Installer hidden directory on your computer. MSP
| files are stored on your computer after update
| installation completes because they need to be referenced
| for future update operations. If the files are missing
| you will not be able to apply Office updates. You may
| also be unable to uninstall Office products as a result
| of the same problem. Please contact Microsoft Product
| Support for assistance.

 

[Smiffy ozsmiffy]

I have the same problem - get to 40% checking for updates
and it fails. I can't even reinstall Office from disk -
get an installer error. I have Office XP Standard for
Students and Teachers. I too need step-by-step
instructions on how to correct this problem. Many thanks
for the help in advance.

 

[Dior Kaneko]

I think I hav the same problem... 40% stops and
crashes... I tried to reinstall
it.. and check the CD and stuff... coz everytime I start
a new document the update thing comes up saying updating
frontpage 2003 which i do not hav... I did try to update
it before but it failed.. and now i think it is messed
up....... so if anyone hav any idea.. please post
here .... I also hav the service packs too.... but it
doesnt work.. :'(

 

[DET]

Well, add my name to the list! I have the same problem
and can not find the solution...

 

[craig]

same problem for me. everything was fine until i upgraded to Office 2003, found it wasn't compatible with our company software, then re-installed Office XP. found the error when trying to check for updates because my inbox rules / organize no longer works

----- DET wrote: ----

Well, add my name to the list! I have the same problem
and can not find the solution..

 

[Shams]

You need to indivisually download the updates. Click on the "More Information" link. There it will give you a download for the update. Install each .exe individually. It worked for me.

 

[ozsmiffy]

Mark,

The fix Hans-Dieter suggested on 1/11 and 1/10 worked for me - everything is back to normal - yeah!

Cheers,

Lyn