Another Missing "Patch Packet"

[JR]

I inadvertently installed Office 2007 on top of Office 2003 Professional by
mistake. I thought I could use System Restore to get back to where I was but
have run into a problem.
Every time I attempt to start ANYTHING, I get a dialog box indication
Windows Installer is "Preparing to install". No idea what! Additionally I
am also getting an additional box stating Windows cannot find the "Patch
Packet" or it is the wrong one. The system waits several minutes then times
out and allows the selection to take place.

I have attempted to reinstall Office 2003 but the "Patch Packet" message
always prevents it. Have also attempted reinstalling and uninstalling Office
2007 to no avail. The problem persists.

 

[Mary Sauer]

You receive the "This patch package could not be opened" error message in an
Office program
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=295823

If you decide to use the Cleanup utility be certain to have your product code
handy.

 

[John]

I had a problem with outlook in 2003 and decided to reinstall office to fix
it. I could not receive email. When I tried to install I got this same
packet problem. I have my office disk and number so I used the clean program
on office so I would be able to reinstall. After cleaning, I tried the
install and it wants to have me verify the installation by providing an
office 2000 or xp disk and I do not have those anymore. I called Microsoft 3
times for help, each time I was transfered to support and the call was
dropped. I gave up. How can I get office reinstalled?

 

[DL]

If your version of Office is an upgrade you are up the proverbial gum tree
if you don't have the qualifying version
Your qualifying version is actually part of your office upgrade license,
lose the qualifying version cd also loses your 2003 licensence.

 

[John]

Almost, but it seems Microsoft Works disk was good enough to get it done.