You receive an error message if you install the downloaded version of Microsoft Data Access Components version 2.8 to a Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer

If you install the downloaded version of Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) version 2.8 to a Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer, you receive one of the following error messages:

• This version is incompatible with the version you are attempting to install.
• This setup does not support installing on this operating system.
• MDAC 2.8 RTM is incompatible with this version of Windows. All of its features are currently part of Windows.

This issue occurs because Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) installs MDAC 2.8 Service Pack 1 (SP1). MDAC 2.8 with SP1 updates MDAC to version 2.81. You cannot install MDAC 2.8 if the computer is already running MDAC 2.81.

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Install MDAC 2.8 SP1

For information about how to install MDAC 2.8 SP1, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Note This redistributable installer for the MDAC 2.8 SP1 release installs the same data access components that Windows XP SP2 installs.

Method 2: Repair the MDAC 2.81 installation that is included with Windows XP SP2

1. In Windows Explorer, open the c:\Windows\Inf folder.
   
   Note If you cannot see the c:\Windows\Inf folder, follow these steps:
   1. Click Start, click My Computer, and then click Folder Options on the Tools menu.
   2. Click the View tab.
   3. Under Advanced settings, click Show hidden files and folders.
   4. Click to clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box.
   5. Click Apply, and then click OK.
2. In the c:\Windows\Inf folder, right-click the Mdac.inf file, and then click Install.
3. When you are prompted to insert the Windows XP SP2 CD, use one of the following methods:
   • 1. Insert the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD in the CD or DVD drive.
        
        Note If a "Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP" message appears, click Exit.
     2. Click Browse.
     3. In the File name box, type CD or DVD drive that contains the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD drive letter:\i386. For example, type d:\i386 if the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD is in drive D.
     4. Click Open.
   • In the File name box, type %systemroot%\windows\servicepackfiles\i386, and then click Open.
4. You may also be prompted for the original Windows XP CD that was used to install the operating system.
   1. Insert the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD in the CD or DVD drive.
      
      Note If a "Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP" message appears, click Exit.
   2. Click Browse.
   3. In the File name box, type CD or DVD drive that contains the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD drive letter:\i386. For example, type d:\i386 if the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD is in drive D.
   4. Click Open.