can't install ANY programs from my cd or dvd-rom drives

I have had this problem for awhile now, and I cannot put my finger on when it started as to what I may have done. Neither my cd-rom drive (Plextor) or my DVD drive will install anything. I can read what is on them, but the setup.exe files will not start an instalation. I also cannot do a network install of a program, yet it will install on the other computer. I can install programs that are on my hard drives. I have replaced the ikernal engine in InstallShield with no results. I'm running Windows XP Pro. I have tried a re-starting from the last known good configuration, but that also did nothing. Any clues EXCEPT for a clean install (I have to do some prep work before I'm ready for that option, and I don't have the time right yet to do it). Thanks..........KGBeastie[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=10][B]

Welcome to Windrivers KGBeastie

Does autoplay work? Sometimes on cds you have the setup.exe and the .msi file - the msi is the microsoft installer. Try running an installation by using the msi next.

Are these burned cds and dvds?

Are you logged in with adminstrator rights?
Are there any security policies in place?
Does event viewer show any events for failed setup.exe launches?
Have you ever tinkered the services?

Are you sure you are virus free?

Hi NooNoo....

1] These are retail cd's
2] The computer was set up with my profile as the administrator, as I am the only one who uses this computer
3] I have attempted to install the cd's by:
a] left clicking onto the cd-rom and/or dvd-rom drive in My Computer. The drive responds, but the install does not begin.
b] right clicking onto the cd-rom and or dvd-rom drive, and opening the drive or using explorer to access the content; then attempting to open the start-up file.
c] attempting to install the program using the add/remove wizard from the control panel.

In one case, the program cd is an adobe program, which starts up the "select the program you want to install" window, the other is a Solitaire Card Game cd...

but in both cases, when trying to begin the instalation, it just gives up and stops...no error messages to decypher, nothing

4] There should be no security policies in place, as I have never had this problem in the 5 yrs of owning 3 different computers and playing with 3 others.
5] The event viewer showes no activity for any of the attempted installs.
6] I am not sure what you mean with "tinkered the service"
7] I just recently (within the last two day) ran a virus sweep with Norton. Yes, my definitions are current. I have also ran a spyware sweep using SpyHunter and removed any parasites found. I have browsed my program installed window for anything that should not be there and uninstalled it.

Frustrating...huh?...............................K GBeastie

[QUOTE=KGBeastie]Hi NooNoo....

I'm having exactly the same problem with XP Pro. I can install downloaded programs but not retail programs from my hard-drive. Any help with this would certainly be appreciated.
Chinook