Installation Error -5006 0x8000ffff

[AalaarDB]

Windows XP x64

Civ4 is installed at v1.61, and has been patched many times in the distant past (3800 BC).

Upon trying to patch to v1.74 I get the error -5006 0x8000ffff.
In fact, I get the same error upon trying to run setup.exe from the Civ4 DVD and also upon trying to uninstall Civ4 in Add/Remove Programs! Autoplay.exe from the Civ4 DVD works and shows a play game button, but no install or uninstall.

The things I have tried so far are:
Downloading the patch seperately, also tried renaming the patch.exe to setup.exe
Cleared temp files and folders
Renamed InstallShield
Made sure Terminal Services was off (it already was)
Tried running it from Add/Remove Programs (this helps how? but I did it anyways)
Created a <my_user_name>\Windows\Fonts folder

Any ideas on how to proceed?
True, I could play at just 1.61, but I was also considering purchasing BtS and maybe Warlords but now I am quite leery of not being able to install them.

 

[auldian]

This was blamed on a Windows Installer issue on one site (different application). The other things suggested you appear to have tried.
The MS download page is Here and it references a KB article you may want to read.
Let us know if you resolve it.
Good luck!

 

[ori]

are you sure you renamed InstallShield and not Installshield Installation Information? Just a thought...

 

[AalaarDB]

I tried the MS link and ran the WindowsInstaller-KB893803-v2-x86.exe, but it throws an error and says it is for a different hardware platform, eg not 64 bit.

However, I searched and found a 64 bit hotfix for the same thing, at 898715. Downloaded that, ran it, and it threw an error where the service pack 2 is newer than the update I'm applying.

And yes, I had the right InstallShield path. When it was renamed, a new one would pop up in the same place.

 

[AalaarDB]

Well, the problem is more pronounced.

I can't uninstall Vanguard, Oblivion, 2 sets of drivers, and a few other programs - all installed with IS.

The IS forum doesn't appear to have anyone there to help either.

 

[ori]

you'll probably need to uninstall the game manually then and try reinstalling it, you'll definitely want to set a system restore point before doing this though - there is scattered information by me and GVBN on uninstalling and reinstalling manually around here. I don't have the time right now to compile it - if I don't do it today just remind me sometime later and I'll post complete instructions.

 

[AalaarDB]

I don't see how uninstalling (deleting) one game would fix all the other games and programs that were exhibiting the same error.

I think it was either an IS or Windows problem. As such, I reinstalled Windows, first into the same folder which did not solve the problem! Next I tried formatting and installing anew, which has worked. I installed and patched Civ4, just too bad it took a reinstall of Windows.

 

[auldian]

I'm glad you're gaming but I agree it's regretable that no direct solution is known.