Client 11gR2 install on Win 7 Pro fails java.lang.NullPointerException

Question

I'm attempting to install the Oracle 11gR2 Client on a windows 7 professional (32 bit) system and the install is failing.
I've downloaded the latest client files from this web link:
http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/products/database/oracle11g/112010_win32soft.html
I launch the install with a user account that is a member of the local machine administrators.
A command window opens, the text says that the system passed the minimum resolution test and that it's preparing to launch the Oracle Universal Installer.
After about 10 seconds an application error window pops open that says java.lang.NullPointerException with an OK button. Pressing OK ends the install session.
This is a new Dell (E5400) laptop that has never been deployed. It has the latest java version (and updates) installed,
Does anyone have an idea on how I can resolve the install issue?
Thanks!
Vince

Answer 1

The folder C:\Program Files\Oracle\Inventory\logs does not exist.
In fact, there isn't even a C:\Program Files\Oracle folder.
There is a folder in c:\users\uname\AppData\local\Temp\OraTnstall2010-04-29_10-13-44AM
In that folder is a file named installActions2010-04-29_10-13-44AM.log, the contents:
** Begin log file contents **
Using paramFile: C:\Users\uname\Downloads\win32_11gR2_client\client\install\oraparam.ini
Checking monitor: must be configured to display at least 256 colors. Actual 4294967296 Passed
The commandline for unzip:
C:\Users\uname\Downloads\win32_11gR2_client\client\install\unzip -qqqo ..\stage\Components\oracle.jdk\1.5.0.17.03\1\DataFiles/"*.jar" -d "C:\Users\uname\AppData\Local\Temp\OraInstall2010-04-29_10-13-44AM"
** end log file contents **
It also contains the following folders:
diagnostics. ext, images, jdk, oui
Edited by: user13041190 on Apr 29, 2010 11:09 AM