Err msg: Not valid win32 application

[Sleuth]

I am trying to install Visual Basic 2005 Express and am receiving an error
message that "setup.exe is not a valid win32 application" - then the setup
closes. I don't know what the error message means or what steps to apply that
will solve the problem. I am running Windows 2000 Professional and have
checked to ensure that I have compliance with all system requirements for the
downloaded product (in Readme file of MS download site). Any ideas or
information would be most appreciated.

[Sleuth]

I have been able to determine the root cause of this particular problem and
'fix' it - so, I will answer my own question to document this thread with
information that may be helpful to other viewers who may encounter the same
or similar situations.

Essence of the Problem: The apparent root cause of the runtime error
message (not valid win32 application) was ultimately identified as
malfunctioning of the installation wizard program which is an integral part
of my Windows 2000 Pro version operating system.

FiX Method: Downloaded a newer version of the windows installer from
Microsoft's Download Centre - specifically, Windows Installer 3.1 (V2) at
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=889482fc-5f56-4a38-b838-de776fd4138c&DisplayLang=en.
Once I had this download installed, I was able to install Visual Basic 2005
Express Edition with no hitches.

Additional Comments: You have to 'read between the lines' when you are
confronted with these runtime error messages. As noted in my original query
posting I had no idea what the message meant and my search of Windows 2000's
Help files produced nothing. Eventually, I found out what the problem was
when I tried to use the installation wizard to REMOVE a program - only to
find that the wizard wouldn't execute that task either. That's when I
realized that the problem was the installer - and nothing to do with
compatibility issues re Vis Basic 2005 and Windows 2000. I just wish that was
a resource somewhere that would supply some info or possible solutions that
would shed some light on the root cause or essence of such mysterious runtime
error messages delivered by Microsoft's applications and operating systems.

Has anyone else ever searched for or found such a resource ? Thanks for your
time - hope this may help someone.

[Sharp@discussions.microsoft.com Dave Sharp]

i have the same problem with the setup i'm trying to install rail simulator
and getting the same error message D:\setup is not a valid win32 application.
what shall i do as i want to install it to the hard drive from the cd rom.
from dave sharp
please give me step by step guide i've got windows xp home edition sp3. x86.