Error message when you try to install Office 2008 for Mac: "Install Failed"

When you try to install Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac suite on a Macintosh computer, the installation fails and you receive an "Install failed" error message.

This issue occurs when the following conditions are true:

• The Macintosh computer is running MacOS X 10.5 (Leopard)
• The Languages setting for the International System preference is set to one of the following languages:
  • Traditional Chinese
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Korean
  • Tibetan

If these conditions are true, Office 2008 for Mac will not install because of a possible conflict between MacOS X 10.5 and files that contain the character å (a-ring). By default, Office 2008 for Mac installation program installs the Norwegian proofing tools package. One of the files in this package has the character å throughout its contents.

Perform a custom installation

To work around this issue, perform a custom installation of Office 2008 for Mac. Do not select the option to install the Norwegian proofing tools. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Insert the Office 2008 for Mac installation DVD in the DVD drive.
2. On the desktop, open the Office 2008 icon.
3. Double-click the Office Installer icon.
4. Click Customize.
5. In the installation choices tree, expand Microsoft Office 2008.
6. Expand Proofing Tools.
7. Click to clear the Norwegian check box.
8. Click Install, and then follow the instructions that appear on the screen to complete the installation.

Change the language preferences

To work around this issue, change the computer's language preferences. To do this, follow these steps:

1. On the Apple menu, click System Preferences.
2. In the System Preferences window, under Personal, click International.
3. In the Languages list, select a language other than the four languages that are listed in the "Cause" section. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Click Edit List.
   2. Select the language check box that you want to switch to.
   3. Click OK.
   4. Select the new language, and then drag it to the top of the list.
4. Close the International window.
5. On the Apple menu, click Log Out Username, and then click Log Out.
6. Log on to the computer by using the same account.
7. Insert the Office 2008 for Mac installation DVD into the DVD drive.
8. On the desktop, open the Office 2008 icon.
9. Double-click the Office Installer icon, and then install Office 2008 for Mac.
10. After Office 2008 for Mac is installed, click System Preferences on the Apple menu.
11. In the System Preferences window, under Personal, click International.
12. In the Languages list, select the original language and drag it to the top of the list.
13. Close the International window.
14. On the Apple menu, click Log Out Username, and then click Log Out.
15. Log on to the computer by using the same account.

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.