msdn library installion fail - Setup has detected that the HTML Help data files are corrupt and cannot continue

Question

When I try to install the msdn library for visual studio 2008 , installation fails

i had a bad visual studio installation before. when i installing the vs2008, electricity cut. Then i had to install the vs2008 again from the beginning.
VS2008 runs normal but i cant install the msdn library.

i tried to install from the same dvd to another computer. it installed but it isnt working for me..

i deleted everything in C:\Users\XyBeR\AppData\Local\Temp directory. Then i tried to install the msdn again and it didnt worked again..
My OS is Windows 7 Ultimate..

here is the error log

dd_error_msdn_vs_90.txt

i need help please :(

[10/25/09,08:15:34] MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2008 - ENU: [2] ERROR:Setup has detected that the HTML Help data files are corrupt and cannot continue. Click Ok to close setup.

[10/25/09,08:15:34] MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2008 - ENU: [2] ACTION FAILURE:Action ended 08:15:34: CA_HHCheckError_enu. Return value 3.See MSI log for details.

[10/25/09,08:15:34] MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2008 - ENU: [2] ACTION FAILURE:Action ended 08:15:34: INSTALL. Return value 3.See MSI log for details.

[10/25/09,08:15:37] setup.exe: [2] ISetupComponent::Pre/Post/Install() failed in ISetupManager::InternalInstallManager() with HRESULT -2147023293.

[10/25/09,08:15:38] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2008 - ENU is not installed.

Answer 1

Hello,

MSDN Library installation errors are usually due to either a corrupt downloaded file (if you downloaded it), or a glitch on the DVD.  Since your DVD works in another computer, it's possible that the DVD reader in your computer doesn't like something on the DVD for some reason and isn't reading it all correctly.  Some DVD readers are pickier than others about imperfections on the media. Make sure the DVD is super-clean (no smudges or scratches) and make sure your DVD reader is clean as well.

If you do this and it still doesn't work, try booting Windows into Safe mode and installing it there.  That should prevent many other programs from loading and possibly interfering with the installer.

If this doesn't work, you might just consider downloading the latest MSDN Library.  You can get it here.  It's a fairly big download, but it might work around any problems associated with the file on the DVD.

Good luck!

---

- Kemp Brown [MSFT]

Answer 2

Hello,

This error occurs when the NSList.hxl file has become corrupted. The NSList.hxl file is the common help data file that is used by many Microsoft applications. You may follow Kemp's suggestions to see if this issue could be fixed.

I am moving this post to the "Developer Documentation and Help System" forum, since the issue is related to Visual Studio documentation. There are more documentation experts in the "Developer Documentation and Help System" forum. 

Thank you for your understanding.

---

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark them if they provide no help.
Send us any feedback you have about the help from MSFT at [e-mail].

Answer 3

Yes I downloaded  Visual Studio 2008 SP1  and the MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2008 SP1 . i installed the SP1 first then MSDN Library gave the same error. Only i didnt tried to install the Library in safe mode. When i try, i will give the result of this.
Thanks for all your help.

Answer 4

Hi did a search on the web and found this and it worked for me.

My error was caused by corrupt help file nslist.hxl in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft Help.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Thanks FrankK1975..

My problem occured by nslist.hxl file

I searched the web and i found a solution

Just rename the nslist.hxl file in  "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft Help"  directory

to nslist.old

It worked for me and i am installing now the MSDN Library..