Configuration Registry Database Problem

[Noona]

Hi,

When using Word (office 2000 prof), I get an error message saying:

MS Word cannot install necessary files due to Windows Installer error 1009, Configuration registry database is corrupt.

I'm running Win98 SE.

Can I fix this without restoring or FDisking? We tried a Office repair but to no avail, so I assume it's a Windows issue.

Just wondering if anyone can help.

Thanks,

Noon.

[ErnieK]

Here is the results of a GOOGLE search for your Office 2000 error.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=windows+installer+error+1009&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search

There are a number of answers but if you search through this you will more than likely find your answer

[Sylvander]

My guess is that you cannot use Office 2000 with Windows 98.

See this http://tinyurl.com/nudb
and this http://search.stilegal.com/main/R10307.htm

It appears that Word was attempting to access a Registry database [THE Windows Registry perhaps] and was unsuccessful in the attempt and a standard Windows error code 1009 = "ERROR_BADDB" was returned.
The attempt may have been unsuccessful because Office 2000 uses methods to access the registry which are designed for use with Windows 2000 and these methods did not exist when Windows 98 was made.
[I'm guessing here.]

[Vic 970]

not so: I am running office 2000 on w98se. I think I had it on 98(1) previously.
-----------------------------
I notice that you say 'using' word, which indicates that office is installed (sounds more like an error to get on installation.) so how long have you been using office before you got the message?

have you tried re-installing/un installing-re installing office ? (bear in mind that you would probably lose data !) also you may have to clear out other stuff as well, (office leaves a lot of junk behind wich can create problems after un installing)

[Sylvander]

That eliminates that possibility then Vic.

I'm inclined to agree with your idea.
Perhaps some files necessary for the correct functioning of Office have been eliminated.
[Like successfully accessing the Registry.]
I did something like this in the past when I re-ran Windows Setup and it overwrote updated Windows files created by an application [like Word, but it wasn't in my case] and the application would no longer work correctly.
I was forced to uninstall and re-install the application to overwrite the original Windows files with the updated versions needed by the application.

[Noona]

The system has been running a while without any problems. As far as I'm aware nothing new has been installed.

We tried a repair with Office, but it didn't sort out the problem. So we're performing a full backup (to be on the safe side), then I said I'd uninstall - reinstall Office to see if this sorts out the problem.

I was just worried that I may have to fdisk and reinstall everything.

Thanks,

Noon.

[Sylvander]

My usual strategy for solving software & configuration problems is to make a full backup of the C: drive, as I proceed forward in time, at suitable points when the system is working to my satisfaction.
Usually just before making software and/or configuration changes.

Then when I hit a software or configuration problem I re-format the C: drive and restore the latest good backup.
This causes a "jump back" to before the problem was introduced.
All thats needed then is to keep a sharp lookout for signs that all is not well with the software or configuration and to respond quickly.