CS4Install/Update-UnusualProblems!Totally Bewildering

[Brandt_...@adobeforums.com]

I run a Vista SP1 32bit machine with 4 gigs RAM. I installed CS4 last fall with no problems (and as well on another similiar CPU)...and was able to update following this...no problems. This week I saw new updates and tried to download/install with the updater as I've done previously and afterward some of the apps (Pshop,Soundbooth,MediaEncoder e.g.)showed the old release#?!? I tried manually installing the update and got a message saying the newest update had already been installed - even though the old release # showed. I decided to uninstall/reinstall CS4 to see if it helped. Unfortunately at end of the install I got a generic message I've never seen before saying there were "some problems" - and then another box with a scroll list of the apps with "error code 2" underneath them all. I downloaded the Support Adviser and got a link...http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb403891...which has to do with color profiles etc. etc. I followed the instructions and still no luck.
CS4 seems to work fine and I was able to install some updates for PremPro,AfterEffects e.g.
QUESTIONS:
1. Is there a way to get a good install without calling the "call center" - I absolutely hate this..and is usually a total waste of time.
2. Is there going to be problem(s) running CS4 without the "clean" install
3. How do I get the other updates installed.
I would very much appreciate anyone's time and attention to this!
(Note: I am an architect by trade, and reasonably computer literate)

[Peter...@adobeforums.com]

This might help: <http://www.adobe.com/go/kb408524>

[Ron_D...@adobeforums.com]

Peter:

Do you know if any "fixes" have been developed for Windows XP SP3? I've had the same problems associated with the "updates" with my machine as well. So it is not just a Vista problem.

It is however, a pain in the arse. Another gift from Adobe. I was just getting used to working with half a cursor! If we're going to have to put up with all this, I would suggest that Adobe offer a better uninstaller -- one that works.

[Peter...@adobeforums.com]

Matt has been working with someone using XP, and I think the problem is the same, but I haven't been involved directly in the testing. I run XP SP2 and I can't find the junctions in Explorer, nor am I sure I see them from the command prompt, though I'm sure it's just that I'm not seeing them correctly. Matt says they are there.

I'd browse the threads that seem to be dealing with this and see if any more details are available. I'm afraid I don't have anything specific to tell you. I've had no issues with XP SP2.

Peter

[Brandt_...@adobeforums.com]

First a big thank you for all your responses/advice! Nothing was working so I finally had to call Adobe. I have to tell you I was very pleasantly surprised to be able to talk with an English speaking American(?) named Tim who obviously had some IT/AdobeSofware background. As he suggested, I ran the Adobe CS4 (which will work on the CS3 too) clean script (after installing the msicuue.exe - Microsoft file - I didn't have this on my machine). I was able to get a clean install after this. I did however get a odd licensing problem message asking to reboot to be able to use the app. - So I ran the Adobe licensing repair tool...and now everything is back to normal. Afterwards I had everything updated...and all worked fine.

Links for the above referenced tools.

<http://www.adobe.com/support/contact/cs4clean.html>
<http://www.adobe.com/support/contact/licensing.html>

[Brandt_...@adobeforums.com]

NOTE: The Microsoft file above should be msicuu2.exe