CS3 installs properly until CD4 shows the summary that only shared components is installed???

Question

Hello,
Recently i have to uninstall (remove) the CS3 master collection to reinstall it with a different serial number, because my old serial was expired.
(For the record, i have a legal version of master collection and running vista 32 bit).
I remove all adobe related programs and then restart my computer. And start reinstall the whole CS3 master collection packet.
-> The first cd spinning for 30min, then asking for the 2end CD.
-> I put the second CD in the tray, spinning for 10min, asking for the 3th CD.
-> I put the 3th CD into the tray, spinning for 15min.
-> Finally he asks for the fourth CD, i put it into the tray, close the tray, the CD starts spinning and suddenly the summary appear and says that only the shared component is installed and none of the selected software like Flash,PS,IL,Encore,...?
What the F***...
I start searching on the net. Find thousands way to fix the problem but nothings works.
I am not understanding this, because this master collection software have run on the same PC previously, so there can't be a hardware problem.
Here are a few links where i have search for information.
http://www.creativeblvd.com/having-problems-installing-cs3.html
http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3bc3e02c
http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3c0585aa
http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb401521&sliceId=1
After hours and hours of installing and removing i decided to call the adobe support center. OH MY, WHAT A BIG HELP
6 times i called and waited for 15min. to listen to a stupid song and get nobody on the line.
So, i hope somebody have a Similar problem and found the solution.
The same post is standing on my blog at http://3d.tutobert.be
P.s.
To adobe, quit the idea of a combined installer for all products. I love the adobe products, but the CS3 version is a real nightmare to install.
And i now there is a lot of illegal downloading, but please, make a pop-up window that asks for a new serial when the old one is expired.
So, please make work of it.
thanks
Bert Van Eeckhout

Answer 1

Hello everyone
First excuse my English, I translated this note from French !
I recently bought a full Adobe Production Premium 3 Pack, and I have some problems
in installing it. My computer can support this pack (Dual Core Athlon 3800+, 2 Go RAM,
ATI Radeon X1950 GT) and Im running on Windows XP SP2.
Ill try to describe my multiple tries of installing the pack (4 DVD Install)
Important : each time I turned off the Windows firewall and my Avast Antivirus. I also
checked I had sufficient disk space on my C: disk.
1st try :
Everything is OK for the DVD1 to DVD3, after inserting the 4th DVD, Installation stops
and tells me :
Installed correctly : 1 (Shared Components)
Errors : 49 Components
I have no choice to end the installation, and I check if the 4th DVD isnt spoiled.
2nd try :
I try the reinstallation option.
Same problem with the 4th DVD
3rd try :
I remove all the installed components via the installation tool, I reboot and try to install
again. Same problems as in 1st try.
Calling Technical Support #1 :
They tell me to download a script « wincs3clean », where in a DOS window several levels
of cleaning up are proposed to remove installed files. I launch the script 3 times in level 4
(it even removes the flashplayer already installed)
4th try :
Same as first try.
I remove all the installed components via the installation tool.
Calling Technical Support #2 :
They send me on this web page :
www.adobe.com/go/kb400615
Solution #3 : Installing by copying the DVD Files in a folder on my desktop and by
rebooting Windows in a simplified mode.
5th try :
I copy all the files as mentionned in the link, reboot Windows in simplified mode, and
I launch the installation with the setup.exe copied in the folder on the desktop.
I can see again the progression bar, and at the end of the 3rd DVD (82.69 % progress),
just after installation of Encore CS3 Library, just before going on the datas of the
4th DVD, installation fails, no choice but quit the installation. (Cf 1st try).
Calling Technical Support #3 : thanks the phone bill ><<br />For them, there is a system conflict. They ask me to check my C: hard disk and to defrag it.
So go for the defrag (it needed it actually) and go the chkdsk (the disk is sane).
6th try :
Reboot the computer, reboot in simplified mode, I turn off the antivirus and the Windows
firewall, I launch the installation and same as usual (Cf 1st and 5th try).
So here I am, the technical support told me in a final solution to reformat my hard disc
and to install again Windows !! I wish I would not do that, what a waste of time !!
So Im just asking if other solutions exist, what the hell is going on, or if someone can
help me to check further on my system and/or configuration, as it comes from a
system conflict .
Id like to try another time but after desinstalling my Avast Antivirus program, perhaps
the problems comes from there ????
Thanks for your attention and your eventual help.
Reinstalling Windows ? NO WAY, I spared enough time on this problems, and I never
had similar problems in installing other softwares on my computer !!