Can't install adobe flash/reader

['putertutor]

Very strange...I almost get the feeling that a Windows update is buggering something up with this unique mix of hardware/software. What AV is running? Windows/other firewall?

See above. I thought the same thing, but after I Installed os, did all updates, that failed, so then I did a restore prior to any updates after the install. Same deal.

Since you've practically ruled everything else out, my guess would be some obscure conflict with something hardware-specific, most likely a driver or a driver application. Have you tried using good 'ol msconfig? Load the bare minimum you need for the installer to work.

Actually, no. I haven't looked at that. Will check it out next.