Odd error message when attempting installation of iTunes 8

Question

When I try to install the iTunes 8 (the most recent version), I get an odd error message and am unable to successfully complete the installation. This is the message:
Could not access network location
%USERPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
This message is then followed by Retry or Cancel; Retry has not worked at all with the same error message popping up. There is no error number that I can see. After I finally hit cancel out of frustration, this message shows up:
The installation of QuickTime did not complete successfully. iTunes requires QuickTime.
I think that the first message occurs during the program's attempt to do QuickTime before the iTunes. I tried downloading and upgrading QuickTime separately, but that was also unsuccessful. I do now have an earlier version of QuickTime on my computer, but that is only because I recently added some software (Rosetta Stone to be exact) that requires the 5.0 version and downloads it automatically. I also have tried the troubleshooting tips on the Apple site.
My computer is a Dell, with Windows XP Home Edition. I do have the second Service Pack from Microsoft, and should have all of the latest updates. Please help! I'm getting really frustrated with my computer and have no idea on what to do next.

Answer 1

When you get a message about not being able to access a network location you usually need the Microsoft installer cleanup utility.
Here is a method:
Download a fresh copy of iTunes and the stand alone version of Quicktime (the one without iTunes)
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
Download and install Microsoft Installer cleanup utility, there are instructions on the page as well as the download. Note that what you download is the installer not the program – you have to run it to install the program. The installer doesn't give any message to confirm the installation.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301/
(To run the program – All Programs>>Windows Install)
Now use the following method to remove iTunes and its components:
XP
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1925
Vista
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923
*If you hit a problem with one of the uninstalls don't worry*, carry on with the deleting of files and folders as directed in the method.
When you get to deleting Quicktime files in the system32 folder as advised in the method, you can delete any file or folder with Quicktime in the name.
Restart your PC.
Run the Microsoft Installer Cleanup Utility. (Start > All Programs > Windows Install Clean Up)
Remove any references you find to the programs you removed - strictly speaking you only need to worry about those programs where the uninstall failed.
If you don’t see an entry for one of the programs that did not uninstall, look out for blank entries or numeric entries that look like version numbers e.g. 7.x for Quicktime or 1.x for Bonjour.
restart your PC
Install the stand alone Quicktime and check that it works.
If it does, install iTunes.