Error 1402. Could not open key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Help.

Can't instal a program without receiving this message!

O/S is Windows XP Home SP 3 and I have only (1) profile on my PC with full priviliges. A check of my Registry shows the registry key in place but has only many Creative entries (my sound system) and (1) system entry.

 

Re: Error 1402. Could not open key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\Software\Microsoft\Windows\He

What program are you trying to install?

 

Re: Error 1402. Could not open key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\Software\Microsoft\Windows\He

ANY new program installation!

 

Re: Error 1402. Could not open key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\Software\Microsoft\Windows\He

This might help:

http://www.wissamidrissi.com/2008/02/error-1402-could-not-open-key-solution.html

 

Re: Error 1402. Could not open key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\Software\Microsoft\Windows\He

I'm getting the same sort of error when trying to install, reinstall, update various software. Most recently, trying to reinstall Excel 2007 from a CD. Registry key I'm told I don't have permission for is Word.Addin.8\ShellNew. I'm able to locate it in registry & follow directions from various sources to change permissions. But for this ShellNew key, every time I try to save a permission change I get an error message saying my changes cant be saved & that, in fact the key can't be opened. I'm always attempting this with administrator privileges. Vista Home Basic.

 

Re: Error 1402. Could not open key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\Software\Microsoft\Windows\He

Have you been able to add the new user "Everyone" to permissions for the key and set full permissions for it? Also note that "Everyone" is case-sensitive....

 

Re: Error 1402. Could not open key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\Software\Microsoft\Windows\He

I've tried that. But when I try to change permissions & then click on "OK" I consistently get an error message saying that the permission changes cannot be saved. The latest incident is today when I tried to install the latest update to Adobe Reader. As the installation proceeded, I got a message identifying a registry key that I didn't have permission for. It was the AcroRd32.exe key on the OpenWithList. When I look at who has permission for that key, the box showing who has permission is empty. I can proceed with adding permissions, but I'm not allowed to save the changes.