Expert: Brian Benosky - 11/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: Model : HP Pavillion dv2842se
OS : Windows XP SP2
AV : Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0
Browser : Mozilla 3.0 (Also tried IE but same issue)

Any software I download from any website, either the download ends abruptly half way, or it just finishes faster than normal or just finishes normally.... when trying to install them, it shows UNTRUSTED PUBLISHER and when i still run it, it shows the error as below.

NSIS ERROR

The installer you are trying to use is corrupted or incomplete. This could be a result of a damaged disk, a failed download, or a virus. You may want to contact the author of this Installer to obtain a new copy. It may be possible to skip this step by using the /NCRC Command line switch. (NOT RECOMMENDED)

The same software downloaded from another comp installs without any problem. Any download from the browser doesnt work.  I have updated my kaspersky and scanned but no virus or trojans.

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART COMES NOW

I reinstalled my XP again, and the problem still persists in my machine. How do i fix this bug which i cant even detect. Someone told me it might be a boot sector virus and have to delete partitions, and i had done the same when reinstalling the system.

HELP ME !!!

Rgds/Ali

ANSWER: Hello Ali

This problem can occur due to many causes, but I don't feel like it is virus related from what you tell me.  Boot sector viruses are not widespread, and you would see other signs of infection.  I would start by updating Windows to SP3.  Install all necessary Windows Updates.  Also, make sure that your Java is updated to Version 6 Update 10 by downloading from here:
http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
If after updating everything you are still getting the error, then I would check your hard drive for errors.  A failing drive could be the cause.  Use the guided steps at the link below to check your disk for errors:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
Let me know if you need further assistance.  Good luck.

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Brian,

Thanks for your reply.

I have 3 computers in my small office network and we are sharing one single lazer printer, so we have file and printer sharing enabled. I see the same problem as my PC in the other computers also.  So i thought it must be a virus/trojan etc... something like that coz its the case with all the 3 computers.  Now not all three comps can have a problem with the hard disks.

Also my present laptop that I am using is new, 4 months old, so i dont think there shud be an error in the disk.

You told me to update to SP3 but I cant download anything at all.  I cant download any files/applications from the net nor update my anti virus.  Everything downloaded says corrupted or the publisher is untrusted (NSIS Error).

I cant download anything so i am left with a very few options regarding fixing this issue.

If its not a virus/trojan, how come all my computers are facing the same issue ?

Also do you think that after I reinstalled my XP again in my laptop and i connected to my office network, without enabling file and printer sharing, if its a virus by any chance.. can it infect immediately ?

Answer
Hello Ali

Due to the recent Thanksgiving holiday, I have not been available to answer your question, so I apologize for the delay in replying.  Please let me know if you are still experiencing the problem and we can continue to troubleshoot.  Thank you for your patience.

Brian