Cab Installation Error - Help Please!

[A HiFi]

Hi there, I am having some problems installing:

There's the problem I am having. I have tried running the install off of my computer as well (copying the files). Using this method I manage to get to the above stage. If I run it off my drive, it stops at the .gcf file before that - says something about Counter-Strike.

My specs are:

AMD ATHLON 2600+ XP
ATI Radeon 9200 256MB AGP
1024MB RAM

I have also made sure that everything is being installed (I'm aware of the Counter Strike bug in installation) and have updated from Steam. Can anyone help me?

Just noticed an article on Microsoft's technical support database about such problems:

Microsoft's Possible Solution? - Worth a try?

P.S. I've had .cab problems with The Movies, F.E.A.R and Battlefield 2 - the only PC-DVD games I have (as well as HLF2). Coincidence...? I think not! Is there a strong possibility that I may have to get some new CD/DVD drives fitted? I know that you can update the CD/DVD drivers, but I don't know the make of mine so I don't know how to upgrade them!

Thanks in advance,
HiFi

EDIT: Changed the picture - scored out some stuff that may be deemed unlawful.

 

[diluted]

First off, do you have any kind of CD copying/virtual drive software such as Alcohol or Daemon Tools installed? Try uninstalling all such software and then try to install HL2. That stuff is apparently known to cause problems with the security thingie installed on the HL2 disk (I found this info a long time ago on Vivendi Games support site, I can't find it now).

Try scanning your memory with memtest86. You install the program to a floppy disk (or CD), then boot off of it. Let the test run for at least a half hour or so. If you don't get any errors by then, then your RAM is probably okay.

Have you tried just downloading the game from Steam?

 

[A HiFi]

First off, do you have any kind of CD copying/virtual drive software such as Alcohol or Daemon Tools installed? Try uninstalling all such software and then try to install HL2. That stuff is apparently known to cause problems with the security thingie installed on the HL2 disk (I found this info a long time ago on Vivendi Games support site, I can't find it now).

Try scanning your memory with memtest86. You install the program to a floppy disk (or CD), then boot off of it. Let the test run for at least a half hour or so. If you don't get any errors by then, then your RAM is probably okay.

Have you tried just downloading the game from Steam?

I only have one piece of CD copying software I believe - and that came pre-built on the computer, so I doubt that would be a culprit. I don't know what you mean by Virtual Drive though...just the same thing as CD copying software?

I'll try memtest86 though. Oh, and yes I tried to register my serial number, so that I could download a version instead but I said that I would have to install the game first...I don't really get that...maybe I'm missing the option here instead of registering the game?

How about totally removing any HL2/Steam components from my registry/computer? Could that possibly solve anything? Although to be honest, I wouldn't know what to start deleting...

I've also noticed that at times I can get quite a wee bit into the 'Upgrade' as it calls it...come to think of it, am I even in the installation bit? It just says upgrade instead of installation.

Well, thanks for helping out a confused fellow!

Regards,
HiFi

EDIT: Reformatted a Floppy disk, installed it onto the thing - how do I 'boot' it?

 

[Beerdude26]

Tada (link)

 

[A HiFi]

Tada (link)

Thanks, but I checked that an hour ago and it was no help.

 

[Beerdude26]

Darn :|
Well, see if you can get it swapped for another pack.

 

[A HiFi]

Darn :|
Well, see if you can get it swapped for another pack.

Well, you see:

1) Ordered online - you know what they are like with returns
2) It's the Collectors' Edition - which is pretty rare to find these days
3) It has been doing this will all my PC DVD games - therefore I doubt it is the disc. I have managed to get F.E.A.R, The Movies and Battlefield 2 working despite these problems. There must be someway to get around this then.

Only gripe is the long installation - more chance of failure, unlike the other games.

Anyway, passed that memory check thingy. What's my next course of action d'ya reckon?

The 1335 file on the Microsoft KB looks like it has some good suggestions that may work. Try those?

 

[Beerdude26]

Yes. The software that is used to install the game may be corrupt/faulty on your computer. Follow those instructions (Don't come begging me for help if you screw up though ).

 

[A HiFi]

Yes. The software that is used to install the game may be corrupt/faulty on your computer. Follow those instructions (Don't come begging me for help if you screw up though ).

Well that's great to know - thank you.

I believe I may look into getting a new DVD drive - if all of my PC DVD games have problems, then it's most likely a problem with them.