Problem

During the installation process, a dialog box appears with the message "could not open key"

Note that the key may differ from the one shown here

Solution

This issue is caused by insufficient or incorrect permissions on the registry key or patent container for the registry key that is references in the message.

We strongly recommend that you create a restore point AND back up your registry before attempting the following methods.

1. Ensure you are logged onto the computer with the local administrator account with UAC turned off
2. From the start menu, search for regedit and run the program
3. If you haven't done already, back up your registry now
4. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\Userdata\S-1-5-18\Components
    
   
5. Right Click on Components and select Permissions
    
   
6. Select Advanced
   
   
7. Click the Change link to open the Select user or group dialog
    
   
8. In the Enter the object name, enter administrators (1) and push Check Names (2)
    
   
   
9. You should be able to select your [MachineName]\Administrators account. Click OK. (3)
   
10. Now on the Advanced Secutity Settings window, check the Replace Owner option (1) and click Apply (2) for this account to take ownership of the key.

This should ensure that all component keys and sub keys 'belong' to the local administrator