HL2 installer tries to create 'Application Data' directory

[killem]

Hi

Here's my sequence of events...

- I put in CD1 of the standard retail version and ran 'setup.exe'.

- I chose "Install Half-life"

- I accepted the agreement

- I CHANGED THE INSTALLATION DIRECTORY TO MY SECOND PARTITION (D:\Program Files) , which has more space

- After installing a few files, the program threw this error up:

"Error 1317. An error occurred while attempting to create the directory
C:\Documents and Settings\[MYNAME]\Application Data"

(where [MYNAME] is the current user and has full admin rights)

It even fails if I retry and leave the directory on C:\

Why-oh-why would the game have CREATE that directory, if it already exists???

 

[jason1846]

Looks like you got yourself a problem, im not to sure why its doings that, but il look into it and let you know if I find anything out.

 

[we11er]

So I take it this is XP? or 2000? And you say this directory already exists? That is quite strange.

I didn't even know steam uses the Application Settings directory to store config or anything like that... or maybe it's windows installer doing something strange. Can't help I'm afraid!

 

[killem]

So I take it this is XP? or 2000? And you say this directory already exists? That is quite strange.

It's WinXP Pro, SP1.

The directory is a system folder, used by some apps including Adobe Acrobat, Media Player, Macromedia Flash, etc.

I'd love to know what causes "Error 1317"

I read somewhere that HL2 won't install on a PC that's connected to the Net via Internet Connection Sharing, which mine is. I'm obviously unsure if this could cause the above hassle. If so, I'm even MORE dissatisfied with this installation, since it's now [Bforcing[/B] one to have your PC connected directly to the line??? Not nice.

 

[killem]

Hi

Update

In order to rule out the ICS factor, I relocated the modem to my PC (also installing ZoneLabs Firewall) and tried again. Exactly the same error. Then it took me 30min to return our LAN to a working state.

Unless I find out how to resolve "Error 1317", I'm starting to think I should sell my copy of HL2. I have the T-shirt and hopefully Bloodlines won't give me this much trouble.

 

[killem]

Next update:

I next went and downloaded the newest version of STEAM (I hadn't successfully installed anything before this).

So, after installing Steam, I was able to run the Setup.exe on HL2 DISC.01 and it went through all 5 CD's. After which it attempted to Register, where it says "'Publishing Product Information" and again gave me "Error 1317".

Please, someone explain why it wants to create a directory, which already exists as a system folder?!?!?!

 

[we11er]

It's WinXP Pro, SP1.

The directory is a system folder, used by some apps including Adobe Acrobat, Media Player, Macromedia Flash, etc.

Yeah I know that, but it's strange the installer is actually trying to get access to it.

As for 1317, no idea!

 

[killem]

It gets more interesting...

I finally managed to move the "Application Data" folder somewhere else. Thereafter, the installation gave me "Error 1303. The installation has insufficient priveleges to access this directory: C:\Documents and Settings\[USERNAME]\Application Data. The installation cannot continue. Log on as administrator or contact your system administrator"

For-crying-out-loud, I am the administrator!!!

 

[killem]

Right, I've been playing HL2 now for the past 4 hours.

Eventually, out of desperation, I logged in as administrator and found that the game installed effortlessly (if you consider a 2-hour wait for everything to finish updating and decrypting, to be effortless).

It's highly irritating that I can only play the game as 'administrator', when I've been doing everything on my PC for the past few months under my own username (with admin rights).

*sigh* At least it works now and well enough too.