Msiexec.exe ?

I recently bought a new scanner/printer and brought my old HP Scanjet 3970 to my work computer. I am trying to install the scanner software (from CDRom) but it keeps telling me (when I try to run setup) that "the system cannot find the specified file". I finally (think so) figured it out...that it's not finding the msiexec.exe file, or rather that file isn't working right.? I have the file on my computer nested in the WINNT folder (running Windows 2000 Pro), but when I went to HP's software support and re-downloaded the software/drivers from their site, I run things to get it going, and it still gives me the error that I believe suggests msiexec.exe is the problem.

How does one go about fixing this? Did I provide enough info? Do I need a fres msiexec.exe file downloaded from Mr. Softy or something?

DLC
email to me at dave at emmitt22 dot com

 

Are there any error messages in your event logs?

MSIExec is the command line executable for the windows installer system

 

Well, there were no clues, but I figured it out,... I think. The software patch I downloaded from HP's website had an .exe file called instmsiW.exe (and one for instmsiA.exe) that I assumed was to install the Microsoft installer...so I ran that and now I am able to install... Was just a shot in the dark by me (know just enough to get myself into trouble generally), but thanks for everyone's reply.
DLC