Error Number: 0x80040707

[SixOfSpades]

Since my BG2 reinstall, every time my computer boots up--no matter what CD is in the drive--I get a spray of BG2-related windows. The BG Launcher, BGConfig, GameSpy Arcade Installer, the BG2 README, BG2 Character Viewer, and the UnInstallShield for BG2-ToB. "WTF?" I say, and kill the 10 or so windows I have to kill before the computer will let me actually do anything.

Today, I decided I'd had it--I'll just do a clean reinstall and start from scratch, and get rid of this problem. So when it asks me if I want to uninstall ToB, I say "Yes." It uninstalls ToB. Uninstallation of BG2-SoA will now begin. Except that it begins, and hits an "Unexpected Error." (As opposed to the expected kind, right?) So now I can neither install, uninstall, or do jack. How do I get into the Windows Registry and kick this game around, please?

[ 07-09-2006, 04:48 AM: Message edited by: SixOfSpades ]

[ZFR]

what I think couldve happened is by mistake you dragged all the BG2 shortcuts into startup. Go to start->programs->startup and check if anything is there.

As to registry do:

HKey_Local_Machine -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows -> Current_Version -> Run and look and delete any BG references

also
HKey_Local_Machine -> Software -> Black_Isle
delete anything BG2 related.

It could be under Bioware or Interplay instead of Black Isle. Cant remember.

Then repat the 2 above using HKey_Current_User instead of HKey_Local_Machine.

That should be enough. If still wont work you can do a search (F3) for 'baldur' and delete as you see appropraite but that shouldn't be necessary.

And to be on the safe side backup registry before editing.

[SixOfSpades]

Originally posted by ZFR: what I think couldve happened is by mistake you dragged all the BG2 shortcuts into startup.

Yep, bingo. The last time I installed, the game installed the shortcuts into my "Games" subfolder--and deleted all the other shortcuts I had there. So this time, I decided to install them to a folder I never use. Wish I'd known this earlier. . .

HKey_Local_Machine -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows -> Current_Version -> Run and look and delete any BG references

This sounds like it should work, and thanks for your help, but what the heck is HKey?

[ZFR]

to enter registry editor go

Start -> Run -> and type 'regedit'

You'll fine HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER on the 'menu' on the left

just be careful when using registry editor lest you delete something wrong by mistake

[ZFR]

here it is for icewind dale. For BG it should be somewhere similar. I dont have it installed but its somewhere there too


http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7769/hkey4ti.jpg


EDIT: click on link or copy/paste to see image. Edited to prevent horizontal scrolling. And too lazy to resize and upload again.

[ 07-08-2006, 12:48 PM: Message edited by: ZFR ]

[SixOfSpades]

Cool beans. Thanks, ZFR, now I know how to edit my registry! Watch me go.

Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to have been the problem: Apparently, the message I was getting before, and am still getting now,
Internal Failure
Error Number: 0x80040707
Description:

is about something other than "You're not allowed to install this because it's already installed." Guess I'll have to actually take my computer in to the shop. And won't THAT be a joy.

[JrKASperov]

Don't think it'll help, but you should try to find all 'baldur' 'bg' and 'bgmain' thingies in regedit.

[Cascade]

Originally posted by SixOfSpades: Cool beans. Thanks, ZFR, now I know how to edit my registry! Watch me go. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to have been the problem: Apparently, the message I was getting before, and am still getting now, Internal Failure Error Number: 0x80040707 Description: is about something other than "You're not allowed to install this because it's already installed." Guess I'll have to actually take my computer in to the shop. And won't THAT be a joy.

This may be an issue with a Windows feature called DEP. If so, you don't need to go to the shop - just follow the below steps.

From http://www.mrtweak.com/windows-deskt...d-windows-dep/

1. Find the primary installation file for the program you were installing. If it’s not a single-file installer it’s usually “setup.exe” on a CD, but you can either check the AUTORUN.INF file to see what program it’s calling or dig through the folders on the CD (/bin/, /eng/, and /driver/ are common folders where the true installer program is nested when the setup.exe is just a fancy GUI program).

2. Right-click the installation program and select “Run As…”. If it doesn’t show up the then file may not be an executable > start over at step #1 and look for other files.

3. Uncheck the “Protect My Computer And Data From Unauthorized Activity” box, this deactivates DEP for this executable and its child processes, and click the “OK” button.

4. Hope! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[SixOfSpades]

Thanks a bunch, Cascade! Unfortunately, I still can't install--but that was one very informative link, and now I think I'm a little bit closer to understanderstanding what the heck went wrong. Just no closer to actually fixing it.

Tried to allow "Unauthorized Activity" as you suggested, no dice, and then followed the other link on that page to an even more informative page:
http://consumer.installshield.com/kb.asp?id=Q108167
whereupon I cracked open my registry and saw.....that everything was just as it should be.

:scratches head:

Oh, well, at least I sounded informative when I Emailed Interplay's customer support department. And now I can still make this thread be of use to the BG community by giving you all an idea of the speed and accuracy of Interplay's Tech Support. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Cascade]

Originally posted by SixOfSpades: Thanks a bunch, Cascade! Unfortunately, I still can't install

Aw, sorry to hear that. I had a similar error when trying to install some utility software at work, and the above link likewise didn't work, though apparently it's a common cause of the issue.

You might want to try one more thing: upgrading your InstallShield engine to the latest version.
http://consumer.installshield.com/kb.asp?id=Q108322

This likewise didn't help me when I experienced the error, but it is another common cause.

Best of luck!