After re-installing XP Home on my Dell Dimension 4600, I tried to install Dell Media Experience and got this error: "openphysicalmemory failed" then this error: "unable to install on non Dell Computer".

There is no help for this from Dell or their Community Forum.

The problem is apparently with the "custom.ini" file that instructs setup to look for some kind of verification that authorizes installation. Other people who have had this problem have solved it by modifying the file line that says "CLScan=DELL", changing "DELL" to some other value. That hasn't worked for me. So I'm hoping to be able to find where setup is looking for the value, so I can change the value in the "custom" file to match what it finds there.

Apparently, from Googling, the CLScan is looking at a "Common Log File", but that's as far as I've gotten. What is the Common Log File and where is it located? Maybe that's not the answer at all, but this is driving me nuts and I'd sure like to figure this out.

Thank you for any help.

"There is no help for this from Dell or their Community Forum." is exactly right. Their forums/support on the site suc*s.

I would try this;

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/g...=us&l=en&s=gen

and then (when it doesn't solve anything) keep after them until the issue is resolved:
==> http://support.dell.com/support/topi...=us&l=en&s=gen

Call every day. It's their dime. As well, provide your honest feedback daily. (On the very bottom of their pages, the "Feedback" link.)

I've already done the above FEEDBACK, citing this threads link. It wasn't favourable. Heh, my IP Address will probably not be allowed back on their site.

Thanks, Dan, I'll try that.

I'd still like to know what file or program is missing that was in the original install from Dell. I have a Dimension 4700 also that has Cyberlink PowerDVD as that build's version of the 4600's Media Experience, and when I try to run the reinstall CD for that on the 4700 I get the exact same error notices. The 4700 also has a reinstalled OS, also from the original Dell disc.

I can't help you there as I don't (WON'T) have a Dell machine, or any of their software/restore etc. (No offence meant.)

It could be the software (CD?) that you have. I couldn't find anything listed on the Dell site for "Dell Media Experience". (At least through the Dell links on the site that I went through for Troubleshooting, Support (which is a laugh), downloads, drivers, Forums, etc.)

No, Dell doesn't mention Media Experience on their website, it was probably a one-shot deal for just that year. I'm not offended by a dislike for Dell, I wouldn't buy another. The 4600 was my first computer, I didn't even know how to turn one on before then.

I'm now thinking that it must be software other than the OS, hopefully something I have on a disc. I guess I may have to reinstall a whole bunch of crap that I spent considerable time getting rid of. Now that I seem to have ruled out the OS, that's probably my next step. Hopefully I can stop short of infecting my computer with MacAfee.

"I guess I may have to reinstall a whole bunch of crap that I spent considerable time getting rid of."

???? Pray tell...... Of what crap do you speak?

"MacAfee!!!"

If you're in the market for Anti-Virus protection, I highly recommend Avast!. It's free, and does an excellent job. I've been using it for a few years now without one problem. It takes care of itself, (updates etc), instant scan of any downloaded file by right clicking, etc, etc, etc. In a word, it's great.

While I'm/we're at it, Comodo is a full feature/free firewall. It's just evolved to a new version which is better, stronger, faster. It's almost bionic. ;>)

My first thought here was you said you reinstalled XP Home etc.

Did you run the Dell System Recovery? Or did you install a Microsoft XP on top of Dell's?

If the latter then the file would not exist.

I know of no solution other than returning the Dell system to factory settings i.e. run the Dell System Recovery (if it is not too late).

The Media Experience like the Media Center edition of XP is totally proprietary and depends on the manufacturers software and not Microsoft's.

???? Pray tell...... Of what crap do you speak?

MacAfee tops the list, it's worse than a virus, it just takes over. But there was AOL, Musicmatch Jukebox, RealPlayer and a starter photo app. I now use Commodo and AVG Free for protection.

Originally Posted by jephree

Did you run the Dell System Recovery? Or did you install a Microsoft XP on top of Dell's?

I reinstalled the OS on a new drive. After formatting and error checking the old drive, it is running me in circles trying to get an OS on it, so I'm thinking it was damaged with the MB. I could never get it to boot properly with the new board.

jephree meant; did you use Dell's "Restore" media to install XP, or did you use a commercial purchased (retail) CD?

You changed the motherboard?

If so I doubt you can put Dell back together again.