resp0nd,
I found the following on the MS KB website in relation to the specific Office install error you're experiencing:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/284250/en-us
The possible causes for this error are:
1. Install the version of the Windows Installer on the Office XP CD-ROM.
2. Log on as "Administrator" (Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 only).
3. Check for alternate installation locations.
4. Turn off and/or remove anti-virus software.
5. Test for a damaged CD-ROM or faulty CD-ROM drive
If you've removed or added drives since you originally installed Office 2003, this might be the issue as the Office install is looking on incorrect drive letters for the installation media. In this case, I would completely uninstall then reinstall Office 2003 from the new CD/DVD ROM drive on your system.
If you still have issues installing MS Office 2003, completely uninstall and reinstall using COMPLETE INSTALL option provided you have available space on your hard drive to do so.
Be sure that you're logged in as Administrator or an account with Administrator rights. If unsure, press CTRL-ALT-DEL on the login screen, type Administrator for the username and the appropriate Administrator password then install Office 2003 (or any OTHER programs from THIS account).
Let me know if any of these work. Also not that there are MANY Office 2003 upates/service packs which will need to be installed AFTER you've completed the install of Office 2003. To do this, go to
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/de...px?ofcresset=1 then click on the "Check for updates" button at the top.
Hope this helps.
- John