What are the common steps to troubleshoot Visual Studio 2008 setup problems?

Question

Common Steps follow: 

1.    Ensure that all of the pre-release(Beta or CTP versions) components on your machine have been removed:

Uninstalling Previous Versions of Visual Studio 2008:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/bb964521.aspx 

 

2.    Install the latest Windows updates from the Windows Update site: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

 

3.    Check if there are any anti-virus or antispyware applications running. Make sure they are turned off during installation.

 

4.    Make sure that the installation media is healthy. If the installation from disc drive is not working well, you can try copying the contents of the disc to the hard disk and installing from the hard disk.

 

5.    Complete or dismiss Windows Update before installation. (and don't forget to turn it on later)

 

6.    If the installation fails, you can collect the setup log file and analyze them.

Clean up the temporary folder (Open the menu “Start” | “Run” and run “%TEMP%” without quotation marks) and reproduce installation failure. The log files will be generated in the temporary folder.

You can also utilize the collect tool from here:

http://blogs.msdn.com/heaths/attachment/8483493.ashx

Note - After running the tool, you can go to your %TEMP% folder to find the file vslogs.cab by clicking on the “Start” menu, choosing Run and running “%TEMP%” (without quotation marks). It may take some time for the tool to collect log files on your machine. Please be patient.

For more information, see: Visual Studio and .NET Log Collection Utility
http://blogs.msdn.com/heaths/archive/2008/05/09/visual-studio-and-net-log-collection-utility.aspx

7.    Try using Process Monitor to track whether there is any file/registry access related issue.

Process Monitor:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/processmonitor.mspx

The log can be large and you can make use of “Filter” feature to filter the result.

 

Useful references follow:

      Visual Studio 2008 Setup Troubleshooting Guide: http://blogs.msdn.com/varungupta/archive/2007/12/04/visual-studio-2008-setup-troubleshooting-guide.aspx

      Visual Studio 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5 setup log files: http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/archive/2007/07/31/4156781.aspx

      Uninstalling Visual Studio 2008: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/bb968856.aspx (NOTE: this tool does not remove .NET Framework 3.5)

 

.NET Framework 3.5 installation problem specified:

      .NET Framework 3.5 Installation validation tool: http://blogs.msdn.com/aaronru/archive/2007/11/29/net-framework-3-5-installation-validation-tool.aspx (Draft version of a new .NET Framework setup verification tool available for download)

 

      Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Readme: http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/a/e/9ae0f6cc-7032-408e-9ca7-989f9e4af4ec/dotNetReadMe.htm 

 

      How to avoid OS reboot prompt when installing the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows Vista: http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/archive/2007/11/13/6190778.aspx 

 

      How to repair the .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.0 on Windows Vista: http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/archive/2007/03/26/how-to-repair-the-net-framework-2-0-and-3-0-on-windows-vista.aspx

 

      Updated .NET Framework cleanup tool: http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/archive/2007/12/04/6659905.aspx 

 

      FYI: To turn on .NET Framework 3.0 in the option of Turning Windows features on or off in Programs and Features on Vista helps: http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=2658411&SiteID=1

 

If you still have problem with the installation, please create a new thread to make a question, and follow What to do when you go to post a setup and deployment issue on the MSDN forums?
http://blogs.msdn.com/aaronru/archive/2007/12/10/what-to-do-when-you-go-to-post-a-setup-and-deployment-issue-on-the-msdn-forums.aspx

 

For further study:

·         http://blogs.msdn.com/aaronru/

·         http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/

·         http://blogs.msdn.com/heaths/

·         http://blogs.msdn.com/varungupta/

·         http://blogs.msdn.com/pmarcu

• http://blogs.msdn.com/windows_installer_team
• http://installsite.org
• http://msdn2.microsoft.com/library/aa372866
• http://robmensching.com
• http://joyofsetup.com

 

Thanks

Answer 1

Figo Fei - MSFT wrote:

3.   Check if there is any anti-virus or antispyware running. Turn them off before installation.         4.   Make sure that the installation media is healthy. If the installation from DVD is not working well, you can try copying the contents of the disc to the hard disk and try the installation from the hard disk.

 

Those are the important things that make me sucessfully install VS2008 pro.

When I install it from DVD, the installation was failed because there is something currupt from the CAB file (but I'm not sure why???). Then I copy the installation disc and it works.

 

Another suggestion is that better to extract the .iso file in the directory and install it from there rather than burn it to DVD.

You can use PowerISO or other software to extract the .iso file.

 

Have a nice try.

Answer 2

i need to know if i can istall visual studio 2008 on vista home premium?

Answer 3

MiYassin wrote:

i need to know if i can istall visual studio 2008 on vista home premium?

Absolutely yes.

Thanks

Answer 4

I've been trying to get VS 2008 to work with Windows Server 2008 64 bit RC2, and the installation "succeeds" - no errors; no errors in the logs, but VS is unusable.

Attempts to compile a VC++ project give an error that "the visual C++ project engine is not properly installed" and then VS crashes.

A C# project builds, but says that the debugger is not installed. Attempting to register the debugger DLL gets an "access denied" - and I AM in the administrator group.

Also, MSDN does not install, complaining that the 'html help files are corrupt", but the logs indicate it may be something else.

 

So can I get this to work or do I need to build on other systems (and can I do that and reference the server 2008 Microsoft.WindowsMediaServices.dll in a C# project_?

Answer 5

sb5k wrote:

I've been trying to get VS 2008 to work with Windows Server 2008 64 bit RC2, and the installation "succeeds" - no errors; no errors in the logs, but VS is unusable. Attempts to compile a VC++ project give an error that "the visual C++ project engine is not properly installed" and then VS crashes. A C# project builds, but says that the debugger is not installed. Attempting to register the debugger DLL gets an "access denied" - and I AM in the administrator group. Also, MSDN does not install, complaining that the 'html help files are corrupt", but the logs indicate it may be something else.   So can I get this to work or do I need to build on other systems (and can I do that and reference the server 2008 Microsoft.WindowsMediaServices.dll in a C# project_?

 

I've got imiliar problem, WIN2003 Standard, installation successful all right, without firewall/anti-malware. Log seems all right, no "error" or "failed" was found in it.

Running VS2008 the first time it ends up disappeared suddenly, after the main window showed up. And NO project can be debugged, it says debugger is not installed. All repair methods failed including re-register DLLs, repair installation, uninstall completely and re-install. Nothing works.

I wonder if it is because I've VS2005 installed on the same system.

Anybody have the similiar experience and solved?

Answer 6

 

I have one hint. I did the beta uninstall on my laptop, vista home premium, but kept crapping out on the new install (as administrator) at the prereq step because of a bad vcredistmin_x86.exe supposedly. I tried a whole bunch of stuff ( but forgot to turn off antivirus so maybe that would have helped). What did work was right-clicking on setup.exe and running as administrator. Even though I was administrator, that worked. I don't use Vista too much yet so I keep forgetting to run as admin. Well, there's my success story, hope it helps someone.

Answer 7

Thanks for the post. I have been trying to install VS2008 for 2 days without success. I tried everything in your post but still no luck. My install fails right after the web components install, just as the main VS install starts. I get an error that setup.exe has stopped working. I have removed my anti-virus software. I have tried the install both before and after installing Vista SP1. I never had a pre-release or beta version. The version I am installing now is a promo version of Standard I got from MS earlier this week.

 

Any ideas would be very welcome. I really liked the demos I saw of the new software - now I just want to start using it!

 

Thanks

 

Answer 8

I am having exactly the same problem.  I have installed Vista Ultimate and I have been trying to install VS2008 for a couple of days with no avail. The VS2008 install starts and seems to finish installing the first component in the list ( "Web Authoring Tool") but aborts almost immediately once it starts the next step which is installing the VS2008 itself.  I have ran the tool to collect the logs and have uploaded the zip file at: http://cid-56de695761c966bb.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Public. 

 

Any help will be appreciated!!!

 

Answer 9

I have tried all of the steps you has suggested and still cannot get VS2008 to install. I have been able to install it using the same DVD in my home and office laptop computers but not successful on my office desktop computer. All three running Windows Vista Ultimate. Any other suggestions.

Answer 10

My error log :S help ..
Code Snippet
[04/16/08,23:23:31] Microsoft Visual Studio Web Authoring Component: [2] Component Microsoft Visual Studio Web Authoring Component returned an unexpected value.[04/16/08,23:23:34] setup.exe: [2] ISetupComponent::Pre/Post/Install() failed in ISetupManager::InternalInstallManager() with HRESULT -2147023293.[04/16/08,23:23:35] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio Web Authoring Component is not installed.[04/16/08,23:23:35] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio Team System 2008 Team Suite - ENU was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:35] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 SP2 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:35] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 3.5 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:35] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for the Microsoft Office system (version 3.0 Runtime) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Tools for the 2007 Microsoft Office System Runtime was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 Design Tools was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 For Devices was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Windows Mobile 5.0 SDK R2 for Pocket PC was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Windows Mobile 5.0 SDK R2 for Smartphone was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Device Emulator version 3.0 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 Tools (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 Headers and Libraries (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 Win32 Tools (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 .NET Framework Tools (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 SDK Reference Assemblies and IntelliSense (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Performance Collection Tools (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:36] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Crystal Reports Basic for Visual Studio 2008 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:23:37] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Publishing Wizard was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:31] setup.exe: [2] ISetupComponent::Pre/Post/Install() failed in ISetupManager::InternalInstallManager() with HRESULT -2147023293.[04/16/08,23:29:31] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio Web Authoring Component is not installed.[04/16/08,23:29:32] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio Team System 2008 Team Suite - ENU was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:32] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 SP2 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:32] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 3.5 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:32] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for the Microsoft Office system (version 3.0 Runtime) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:32] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Tools for the 2007 Microsoft Office System Runtime was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 Design Tools was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 For Devices was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Windows Mobile 5.0 SDK R2 for Pocket PC was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Windows Mobile 5.0 SDK R2 for Smartphone was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Device Emulator version 3.0 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 Tools (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 Headers and Libraries (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 Win32 Tools (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:33] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 .NET Framework Tools (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:34] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Windows SDK for Visual Studio 2008 SDK Reference Assemblies and IntelliSense (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:34] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Performance Collection Tools (x86) was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:34] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Crystal Reports Basic for Visual Studio 2008 was not attempted to be installed.[04/16/08,23:29:34] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft SQL Publishing Wizard was not attempted to be installed.
 
 

Answer 11

The VS 2008 Standard edition may give you some problems when installing.

 

 The install program will not start at all.  The CD drive will spin up, but
 nothing happens. 

 

If you double-click the setup.exe file in Windows Explorer, then

the install program will give you an error like "setup.exe is not a Win32 program"

The ReadMe.htm on the disc may not have a solution either.

 

Do nothing else until you try the following.

 

 Try the following suggestions: 

 1. Install VS 2008 Standard edition on system with WinXP Pro SP2 or newer.
 2. Be sure there are no Betas for any of the programming programs
  on your system.
 3. REMOVE ALL OF THE NERO BRAND SOFTWARE ON YOUR SYSTEM

  WITH "ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS" ON THE CONTROL PANEL.
 
The VS 2008 Standard Edition software should install, now. 

 

Notes:

THIS VS 2008 STANDARD EDITION DISC IS A DVD-ROM TYPE OF DISC.

Solution Was:

It finally started up in Autorun after removal of the Nero software for the

Lite-On unit on the system.  Must be that Nero software could not read the DVD-ROM disc.

 Just the MS software installed by WinXP for the Lite-On unit was in the Hardware
 driver section for the CD Drive unit when installation disc started up in autorun.

 

Tips:

 The install program will ask to connect to the internet soon after it starts, so
 be able to connect before you begin, but do not connect until it prompts
 you for a connection.

 You can reinstall your Nero software after the VS 2008 software is finished with
 the installation.

 

 

Answer 12

Well, the problem is finally fixed. I did a reinstall (clean install of Windows Vista). After all updates were installed and before doing anything else, installed VS2008. This worked. The next step will be reinstall everything else.

 

This tells me the problem wasn't Vista or the computer but something I, likely did or installed. No clue what that might have been. So, if all else fails, start over and do a clean install.

 

Charlie

 

Answer 13

which is the best order for installing VS studio 2008:  uninstall vs studio 2005 first then install 2008 or install 2008 then uninstall 2005?  Also will either way affect MS Sql Server 2005 Reporting Services?  I have SSIS packages and reports that are running daily and I cannot have them go down. 

 

Thank you for all your help.

 

Lt

 

Answer 14

Lt,

 

The rule of thumb is "always remove the old before installing an upgrade." Typically, this is to prevent deleting files that are common to both versions; thus, may or could be deleted with the old version causing the new version to not run properly or to not run at all. However, I do not know how deleting VS 2005 will affect MS SQL 2005 Reporting Services. Someone else will need to address that issue.

 

Charlie

 

Answer 15

It looks like we would have to pay for PowerISO... is there freeware for unmounting the Visual Studio 2008 ISO that you would recommend or found success in using? 

Also, how do we do a complete check that anti-virus routines are not running on our PC or via our Explorer Browser?

Answer 16

This log came up when trying to install Visual C++ 2008 express and it says "Setup.exe stopped working" and MS .NET Framework v3.5 SP1 failed to install. I uninstalled .NET Framework, I shutdown the progams listed to close on your post, and used the collect and cleanup programs. Im running Windows Vista on a Toshiba Laptop... One of the main logs that seemed to show the problem is listed on my website at http://www.programming-wizard.synthasite.com/my-log-for-msdn.php (Its too big for a post so its on a page on it).

Answer 17

You can fix this problem also uninstalling this component of Microsoft Office Infopath: msiexec /x {30120000-0044-0C0A-0000-0000000FF1CE} <-- is a beta version of the component. Don't ask me why, I had the problem and I solve it without reinstalling all the computer.

Answer 18

Hi,
I made a new post about my problem here: http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vssetup/thread/21e1b2b2-21d1-40f1-9aa7-bcb3f0ba6b8d

But maybe someone in this thread can help me?

I just installed Visual Studio 2008 SP1, but when I run it and try to load an ASP.net project, I got those errors coming in popups:

• Package Load Failure: Visual Web Developer HTML Source Editor Package
• Package Load Failure: Visual Studio HTM Editor Package
• Package Load Failure: Visual Studio CSS Editing Package

Note: I already had .net framework 3.5 installed with Visual Studio 2005 (this version still works fine). The error didn't appear with the SP1, it was already showing those messages before I installed SP1 for VS2008.

So, I looked around on forums and docs, and I tried many things:

• Remove and re-installation (not repair) of .net framework 3.5
• Remove and re-installation (not repair) of Visual Studio 2008 + SP1
• I created the ActivityLog.xml file with the devenv.exe /log
  I can see this: "SetSite failed for package [Visual Web Developer HTML Source Editor Package]"
  "80004004 - E_ABORT"
  "The system cannot locate the object specified."
• I tried to register manually the dlls in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\Packages
  and it fails when trying the regsrv32 on htmdlgs.dll with the following message: "DllRegisterServer entry point was not found"

Nothing could make it, I still have those errors appearing, and I can't work with VS2008 like that...

Answer 19

There are too many replies and too many solutions for too many problems.

I am wondering which one is mine?

Since that, WHY VS.NET 2008 checks these problems before installation?

As I know, VS.NET 2008 is not so easy to install.

I hope MICROSOFT  improve VS.NET 2008 and make it easier to install.

Thanks.

---

Jacques Ou

Answer 20

Hi,
     We have created a windows installer in VS.NET 2005 which has a checkbox.We encypt and store the checkbox value(either checked or not) in a file under instalation directory.It works fine then we upgraded the version of the product and added a newly checkox and created a seperate file to store the vlue of this checkbox.When we try to upgrade the installer it works fine by removing the earlier version and installing the new version but it does not copy the newly created file.We have done the debugging on the Custome Installer class and found that the setup oroject does not executes the latest added custome codes.We have found the article which addresses the issue we are facing but we could not find whether this issue is resolved or not.The URL of the article is http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555184 .
Please provide some work around or solution to resolve the known issue.

THanks,
Vikram

Answer 21

When I Installed VS 2008 professional edition on my win7 RC I am in a big trouble. Earlier when I use to install the trial version on XP or Vista than when I start to modify/Repair setup for VS2008 than I had a update option where I can fill in my VS2008 Pro edition Key which I bought online. This simply updates my VS2008 trial to VS2008 Pro Edition Full. Now When I try Modify/Repair setup I don't have such option. It don't show up update window and I can't fill in the key. I can't afford to download the full version due to my bandwidth issues. And even I tried installing VS2008 SP1 but still the same issue persists. Please Help me to get out of this trouble. This would definitely help a lot...

Answer 22

I am having similar type of problem. Have you been able to solve yours?

Answer 23

Can any one tell hw to install the windows Visual basic 6.0 on my desktop were it has the capacity of 512 mb ram? is it applicable.

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Answer 24

Hello, since 1 week im trying to install VS 2008 Pro that i dld from MSDN. It's not working and i'm trying to install it on Windows XP Pro SP3. I tried to uninstall all the .net frameworks. I tried the windows clean up program... So, I really don't know what to do know...

This is the log :

[07/18/09,17:46:39] setup.exe: [2] ISetupComponent::Pre/Post/Install() failed in ISetupManager::InternalInstallManager() with HRESULT -2147023293.
[07/18/09,17:46:39] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is not installed. [07/18/09,17:46:40] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5LP - FRA was not attempted to be installed.
 [07/18/09,17:46:40] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft Document Explorer 2008 was not attempted to be installed.
[07/18/09,17:46:40] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Module linguistique Microsoft Document Explorer 2008 was not attempted to be installed.
[07/18/09,17:46:40] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Composant de création Web Microsoft Visual Studio was not attempted to be installed.
 [07/18/09,17:46:40] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 SP2 was not attempted to be installed.
 [07/18/09,17:46:41] VS70pgui: [2] DepCheck indicates Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 3.5 was not attempted to be installed.

Thx !