So far I've tried to install several games (lotr, prey, etc...) and Windows Vista on my computer and they never install! It will install about 20-30% and then say something like...there was a problem installing xxx.xxx file please hit retry or cancel"...it doesn't matter how many times I hit retry because it still can't install it. It's different for every game and software but nothing will install if it's from a CD.
I asked a friend and he gave me some tips. So far I've bought a new IDE cable, plugged the cable into an open slot, I've even bought a new cd/dvd drive and it's still won't install anything coming from a cd.
So, is there anything else I can try? Or somehow identify the problem to get it fixed?
Thank you for any help and advice you can give me.

Hi there and welcome to PCHF

Can you possible provide the exact details of this error message?

When I try to install my lord of the rings game it will get to 25% and then it'll say...there was an error installing bigaudio.dll.this file is required for installation..and then it has the retry and cancel buttons. I hit retry quite a few times and then I'd eventually just hit cancel.

IDid you download new drivers for Vista? Alot of games will not work with Vista unless you get the pacthes for the games..

Here is a pacth for LOTR but dont know what version your playing..
Lord Of The Rings: Battle For Middle Earth II Patch Released - News and Siteseeing

Edit: also check your event viewer.. Right click my computer..Click manage...Click event viewer.. Check apps and programs see if it says somthing like dvd rom has a bad block if that is the case then the cd is to dirty..

I actually figured out what was wrong. I took the computer in and it was the power. Something was wrong with the surge I had it plugged into.

Thanks for letting us know

[Resolved]

@apostle paul

hi, i also have the same problem everytime i install something. Sometimes they work if i hit the ignore button, sometimes they don't continue. what do u mean by the surge?

Right now, im installing windows xp in my new 250gig hard drive. But when it comes to the copying installation files part, an error message appears and it states that there is a problem accessing/installing/reading from "something.dll/.cab". There is a prompt for retry but it doesnt work everytime i try it. I tried removing the cd from the drive and then putting it back in, still the same error.

I tried consulting with some techies in computer shops in our area and they have varying responses:
something wrong with the dvd drive (but its relatively new at 11mos and asus brand)
ide cables (i replaced them but to no avail)
motherboard problem (im using an old socket 462 mobo and i have trouble searching for a replacement)