Unable to install Avast! Free on a fresh install of Windows XP

Hello

I have seen this error appear several times in other posts, but have not been able to find a solution to my particular problem. Here’s how it goes:

  • The machine has no internet access, the only way to transfer files to/from it is through USB drives.
  • I just reformatted it and reinstalled Windows XP SP3 on it (upgrading to a newer Windows version is not an option on this machine).
  • It’s a fresh install, nothing else than Windows is installed so far.
  • I’m using the latest Avast! Free offline installer.
  • I’m installing from the Administrator account.

– Trying to install in normal mode, I get the error message:
The installer is unable to initialize early Avast! self-defense with error 0x00000433! Aborting!

– Trying to install in safe mode, I either get the same message as above, or the installer actually starts but won’t continue past the first screen because:
The driver of the File System Manager is not running. Please ensure the driver is started before installing avast!.

Any help, please?

You need to download/install all updates for XP before installing avast.
You also need to install all drivers for that system.
Check device manager for any errors.