Although I had an external DVD writer/player plugged into my PC I decided to replace the DVD writer/player built into my PC, with a more advanced model which has dual layer capabilities. On doing this I have had no end of problems. I am unable to access some of my programs, most importantly Microsoft Office and Nero. I removed the the new built-in DVD writer/player and put back the old original DVD writer/burner into my PC. This improved things somewhat but I still cant access Microsoft Office or Nero, or uninstall these programmes and reinstall them in the hope of getting them operatable again. I get Error 1324 notices either to the effect that ""Program Files" contains an invalid character" or "the path Nero Multimedia Suite Hd contains an invalid character. Is this all a result of a conflict between the two DVD writers/players and how can resolve this problem and restore my PC to normal operation again.

Hi Debleena SI have Windows Xp Professional Version 2002 (and Service Pack 3) installed on my machine. I must advise:Method 1 - it appears that the hardware on my machine is properly installed and in working order. Pity that the Windows Installer Service is not operatable in "safe mode", would love to uninstall & reinstall Microsoft Office & Nero!Method 2 - I've not been successful in doing a system restore.Method 3 - I'm going to attempt this method tomorrow after a good night's sleep. I did do an "uninstallation" of Nero using the Nero Clean Tool and even did it twice - the second time I was informed by the Nero Clean Tool that there was no more Nero to uninstall. However, Nero and all its sub divisions are still listed in the Control Panel (Add or Remove Programs), Start Programs and on the Desk Top. Maybe I'll be able to sort things out in the Registry.If you can provide any further advice before I attempt Method 3 tomorrow I'd be most grateful.Thanks so much for all your help.RegardsGerrytrix

Hi Gerrytrix,If ‘Method 3’ doesn’t help, you may follow this link and check if it helps.Error 1324. The folder path 'Documents and Settings' contains an invalid character" error message when you install Office 2000Hope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Hi Debleena SA belated thank you - via Method 3 I was ultimatel successful in deleting Microsoft Office and consequently able to reinstall it. Once I had Microsoft healthily reinstallled, I was able to uninstall Nero.I have not yet reinstalled Nero but have communicated with Nero and await their reply as to any special proceedures they may recommend I follow with the reinstallation formalities (bearing in mind its recent history).I will confirm with you when I have Nero fully and properly reinstalled and have siccessfully installed my new built in DVD writer/player.Thanks again!RegardsGerrytrix

Hi Debleena SA belated thank you - via Method 3 I was ultimately successful in deleting Microsoft Office and consequently able to reinstall it. Once I had Microsoft healthily reinstallled, I was able to uninstall Nero.I have not yet reinstalled Nero but have communicated with Nero and await their reply as to any special proceedures they may recommend I follow with the reinstallation formalities (bearing in mind its recent history).I will confirm with you when I have Nero fully and properly reinstalled and have siccessfully installed my new built in DVD writer/player.Thanks again!RegardsGerrytrix

Hi Gerrytrix,Thank you for replying.Glad to know that the issue has been resolved.If you have any further issue on your computer, please post your question we will be happy to help you.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.