error message quandry

[jrfalk]

When trying to run setup for a recent download, I receive this error message: Setup Initialization error --error 101
"unable to find a hard disk location to store temporary files.
Make at least 877KB free disk space available and then try running setup again."

How can I do this? I have loads of space on my hard drive.

Thanks for your help.
jrfalk

[Dashwood95]

Have you run disk cleanup lately to clear out your temp files? You may have a lot of HD space but a full C:/Windows/Temp

[jrfalk]

Hi, Dashwood:

Thanks for your rapid reply. However, running Disk Cleanup was among the first things I tried. I cleaned out virtually everything I could, but that didn't work. Any other less obvious things I might try?

The download was Netscape 4.79, which I need to obtain Composer, something not available on Netscape 6.2, my present browser.

jrfalk

[HKEd]

Hi jrfalk...the message sounds like Windows has not been "directed" as to where to place the installation files. Is autoexec.bat enabled as a startup? You can check by firing up msconfig via Start > Run. On the Startup tab, see if "Process autoexec.bat" is checked. If so, open it in NotePad and add this line:

SET TEMP=C:\WINDOWS\TEMP

Save the change and reboot.

If (as in some cases) your system does not have an autoexec.bat file, create one in NotePad. Just type in the above line, save as "All Files" autoexec.bat in C: and make sure Windows processes it at startup in msconfig.

Let us know if this helps.

[jrfalk]

Hi, Ed:

Thanks for your reply. The first part, I did with ease. But, since I'm a comparative dummy, how in heck do I open autoexec.bat in notepad? Please tell me step-by- step so I don't screw up.

Awaiting your help.

Thanks,
jrfalk

[Alfons]

If you have AUTOEXEC.BAT on your system, it should be located in the ROOT directory or C:\. If you use Windows Explorer, you can locate the file and then right-click on it and one of the options displayed will be "Edit". Select this and it will be opened in Notepad, or you can Start Notepad and then go through the Open approach and browse your way to it.

If you don't have an AUTOEXEC.BAT, then just follow Ed's advice and start Notepad, enter the line and save the file as C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and that should do it.

Post again if you have any problems, and AUTOEXEC.BAT absolutely MUST be in the root directory for the system to use it.

[jrfalk]

Hi, Alfons & Ed:

Eureka! It worked perfectly. What teamwork, you guys are great...real solid assistance.

I thank you once again. Keep up the good work.

Til next time,
jrfalk

[HKEd]

You're very welcome, jrfalk. Glad you got the problem sorted.

Doncha just wish MS would work on their error messages a little? Is it too hard to produce a "Windows is unable to locate the Temp folder for this installation. Please specify the path by adding a SET PATH=(location of Temp folder) statement in Autoexec.bat and reboot" message?

I guess that's asking a little too much. :no:

[Alfons]

HKEd, I'm afraid that the days when one was expected to understand and edit a couple of simple configuration files are long gone and MS certainly wouldn't want to restart the age of understanding - not to their benefit.