Hi Paul 

(and Laurel)



Yes ,you're right. Even initial installation setup files are now distributed that way.

Several Microsoft applications ,such as Live Essentials or Security Essentials and even Office updates etc come initially

as a so-called Web Install ,which is approx 500 KB. When executed ,it will download the rest of the setup file, which could be

many MBs , like 30 or 50 or 100 MB.

Even download sites like CNET, BrotherSoft, Softpedia, Tucows etc will have some files as a Web Install.

Beware that some of those web installers carry (possibly unwanted) toolbars as well.



In essence these web installers are nothing more than "download managers".

Advantage claimed is that they will resume an interrupted download and some check the integrity of the file as well.



Disadvantage:

1.If the web site URL for the underlying link has changed ,you won't be able to download or update anything.

2.You can't save the downloaded setup file for future use.

They are self-extracting ,self-executing install files and at best allow you to choose the destination of the program as well as that of the shortcuts.



There is a way around to saving the setup file ,but you have to do a search in your Temp folder or Internet temp files.

If you want to do this ,you need to search those locations, but many of those web installs have a number rather than the program's name,

but after extraction most show the name of the program's installer.

So do the search immediately after and look for the most recent files or folders that may qualify.(Sort by date/time)



Another way is to search the respective website for a so-called "Off -line installer".



@Laurel

If you run into this again ,go to the respective program's website and check if an update is available.



Personally I find web installers a nuisance for the reasons outline above.



Peter E.

--------------------------------------------------

From: "Paul%20A.%20Shippert" 

Sent: Sunday, 04 September, 2011 9:39 AM

To: <[log in to unmask]>

Subject: Re: [PCSOFT] error message



Greetings-- 



Many installs for both devices (drivers especially) and software now include a step where an Internet link is 'probed' for an update during the course of installation.  Is it possible that you are not connected in such a way that this 'probe' fails, and so the installation cannot continue--displaying the error message you describe? 



Paul A. Shippert 







 



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