CS4 won't install. Setup.exe runs but nothing happens

[_mike_ricca_]

When I double-click SETUP.EXE to install the program, nothing happens. It shows up in the task manager, but it doesn't do anything.

If I run it on my laptop, the install starts without any issues. But I don't want it on my laptop. And it can't seem to run on my desktop.

I even tried creating a fresh user account to install it from there -- nada.

Thoughts?

[_mike_ricca_]

UPDATE:

I think the problem was with my existing CS3 install. I tried uninstalling it (via Add/Remove Programs) and nothing would happen. I'd check the Task Manager and sure enough, there's a setup.exe in there, doing nothing.

Faced with no real alternative, I deleted my install directory and ran the CS3 Cleanup Script, but no go. CS4 still won't install.

And now neither will CS3. I am now sans Photoshop.

How can I clean up my apparenty-faulty CS3 install so that I can get CS4 on here (without having to reformat and reinstall Windows)?

[Guest]

Try the MS Windows Installer clean-up utility.

[Farrellart]

I had issues trying to reinstall PS4 after a system restore as some drivers messed up my tablet. The only way around it for me was to reformat - reinstall vistax64 - install chipset drivers - SP1 - other drivers - then Photoshop. All works fine now.

[Mylenium]

Check any security tools you may have running and disable them. Also make sure to run a Windows Update to bring the Windows Installer up to the latest. Specific to your case: Get rid of _anything_Adobe on your system, including Flash, Adobe Media Player/ AIR, Acrobat Reader etc. You may need to manually clean out data found in Program Files\Common Files\Adobe, in particular TypeSpt, Updater 5/6, PDFL.

Mylenium

[_mike_ricca_]

Sadly, nothing worked. I attempted to uninstall the other few Adobe apps I had (Lightroom and Flash Player) and those wouldn't uninstall either. I must've corrupted some key install/uninstall Common File or something.

I decided to just go with the fresh nuke. It's been a year and a half since my last fresh install, so I guess I was due.

[_Carrie_A_]

I have Vista on my laptop & desktop, CS4 installed fine on desktop but not on laptop.
Laptop: gets to 90% initializing then just stops and goes no further.
How can I install this on my laptop???

[Guest]

> stops and goes no further

How long did you wait?

[_Tajammul_Rafique_]

I have windows Vista with latest service patch, I am trying to install trial version of PhotoShop CS4 Extended, but I am having very hard time. I click on setup, it starts extracting the files, it goes to 100% and then it disappears and nothing happens. I get the no errors. When I check the event log I see the error message as below

Fault bucket 357458363, type 5
Event Name: PCA2
Response: None
Cab Id: 0

Problem signature:
P1: ADBEPHSPCS4_LS1.exe
P2: 1.0.1.2
P3: Adobe Extractor
P4: Adobe Extractor
P5: Adobe Systems Incorporated
P6: 200
P7: -1
P8:
P9:
P10:

Attached files:
C:\Users\ABC\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WER\ReportQueue\Report0ee72c4f\appcompat.txt
C:\Users\ABC\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WER\ReportQueue\Report0ee72c4f\Tab257C.tmp

These files may be available here:
C:\Users\\ABC\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WER\ReportQueue\Report0ee72c4f

Can some one help me?

[_Mary_C_Taylor_]

The same thing is happening to me ... I have CS2 and am trying to upgrade to CS4 but no matter what I or Adobe Tech Support (2 1/2 hours on the phone) nothing works! It stills does nothing on the install.

[_Tajammul_Rafique_]

It worked for me after wasting a whole day. The problem with me was,

I downloaded an EXE file from Adobe web site. I clicked on it, it asked me to extract it in my document folders and I let it. Now what? I sat and waited, nothing happened. After extraction I was expecting it to run the setup by it self.

So finally I located the directory where It extracted the files, I found the setup.exe and thats how I ran the setup.

[Guest]

d'oh! :)

[_atito_]

Where i can find setup on my documents plz

[_atito_]

iam waiting

[the_wine_snob]

iam waiting

Twelve minutes is not enough time to down a grande latte, especially if it's hot!

These are user-to-user fora, and as such, you probably hit that "coffee break," that we users take from time to time. Heck, some of us actually go and do our paying work, and only stop in here, when we have a moment of down time.

Please remember that the fora are not staffed, and are not part of Adobe. Very, very few of us work for Adobe - you can probably count those on 1, or 2 fingers of one hand. Even those folk are developers, or engineers, or programmers and are not likely to spend all day waiting for a single question.

Patience is a virtue, and with very good reason.

Now, we can see that some folk did weigh in, though not in that 12 min. time span.

Good luck,

Hunt

PS - I realized that this post was almost one year old, but wanted to make a point for the newer folk - wonder if this person is still waiting?

[Guest]

Read this: http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin LenHewitt, "How To Get Help Quickly" #, 4 Mar 2004 7:27 am

[petew41133]

Exactly the same problem as dozens of other posts with installing Adobe Photoshop CS4 on Vista.  I'm quite proficient with computers, and Adobe CS4 (which I just paid hundreds, and I mean HUNDREDS of dollars for) has a flawed installer.  I've used MSCONFIG to do select startup (no viruscan etc), run the Windows install cleaner utility, ran WIN CS4 clean utility, and even placed the setup files on the harddrive.  Still, setup begins, then nothing!

I installed sucessfully on a Windows XP.  Using a Core 2 Duo Gateway laptop with 3GB and Vista Home Premium.

I'm disappointed that such a sophisticated application has such an unreliable installer!  Adobe-- please step in and work this!

[Guest]

I agree that it is well known that the installer is a big heap of you know what. However, there are work arounds to get it working. You posted some things you did but other critical steps you didn't. Of course you may have done this already but just incase.....

Only install to C drive. Some people have tried to get fancy by installing CS4 on a different drive numbers with mixed results. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't but it always installs fine on C drive.

If you have Adobe reader installed: remove it.

I only installed CS4 and Bridge as I have no use for the other products that were on the disk. Up to you.

Did you update Vista to SP2? If not there is a windows installer up date 4.5 that needs to be installed. The 4.5 fixed install errors. Vista SP2 comes with the new installer.

Turn off windows defender.

Go to services, look for windows installer, change from manual to auto and start the service. This will ensure windows installer is running when you go to install CS4.

In the CS4 folder right click on the .exe file and choose run as Administrator.

Defrag the hard drive before and after install. Don't forget to update CS4 to 11.0.1

Hope this helps.

[petew41133]

Did all you stated.  Defender off.  Manually installed Installer 4.5 (currently have Vista SP1).  Uninstalled all

related to Adobe (reader, etc).

Virus scan off.

Setup as "administrator".

Still cannot get Adobe CS4 setup to run.  Now into the 4th hour playing with this...

[Guest]

Did you run the CS4 cleaner at level 3 too?

Also the CS4 your trying to install (either I missed it or didn't read it correctly) is it the download version or the CS4 Disk? Why I am asking is that the download version is not the best lately and a few others have been complaining about the download. Some have to redownload as the first download was borked and wouldn't install.

Also I assume that if you have the disk that you tried to do the explore disk, find the .exe file, and run as Admin?

Is there a reason why you have not run SP2 yet? Vista is a whole lot faster, stable, uses less RAM and hard drive space.

It is evident you know what your doing but I figured I toss out some more info and ideas. Other then that I have no more input as you have done everything under the sun already.

Good Luck.

[petew41133]

Dec9

First, thank you for taking the time to try to help me figure this one.  I guess I'll be calling Adobe tomorrow.     Regarding you questions:

1) CS4 from disk (I purchased Design Premium).

2) Didn't know Vista SP2 was much better.  I was frustrated with SP1 from when I first purchased Vista 2 years ago (slowed things down noticeably) so held off in updating.  I'll follow your advice.

I'm really stumped on this one... usually I (with the help of forums like this) figure these things out.

Regards, Petew41133

[the_wine_snob]

OK, before you call and get put on hold - hope the music is good. let's do a checklist. You have probably tried all of these, but take a look:

1.) turn off all anti-virus, pop-up blockers and spy sweepers

2.) turn off all firewalls, etc.

3.) run as Administrator

4.) install to C:\ (you can alter the Path from default, but C:\ is important.)

5.) make sure that you have adequate free space on C:\

6.) cross your fingers, do the "wiggly dance" in a clockwise direction (unless you are in the Southern Hemisphere, where it must be done counter-clockwise), and then light incense and blow the smoke in the direction of San Jose...

OK, number 6 was was a last minute add-in, but it works for me.

If you have done all (except for 6), and it's still no go from the installation disc, then it's time to call C/S, or T/S. I'd go for C/S first, as their hold-music is better - no sitar!

Good luck, and when you do get PS installed, please update the thread with what you did, as others have had installation issues, and others will likely have them. Your efforts will very likely help others in the future.

Hunt

[petew41133]

Hunt,

Done all.  Will let you know how customer support works out.  Thank you.

[petew41133]

All: Talked to Adobe (in India) today.  They told me:

1) set up a new administrator account in Vista (control panel).    Apparently there can be an issue with install/setup in exisiting admin account.

2) Log off and log on under the new account.

3) Copy setup files of disk 1 to desktop.

4) Copy folders from disk 2 to the respective folders in that desktop created in step #3.

I'm in the process of doing it.  Adobe told me to call back if it doesnt work with a printout of the log file.

[Guest]

Good luck