#170 Error message - "Can't load Python for pre-install script"

[Andy Elvey]

Hi all -
I've downloaded and installed the Python 2.4 .msi
file for Windows (I'm running Win XP). That install
went fine, and I can run Python code at the usual
prompt (>>>).
The .msi file that I downloaded was -
python-2.4b2.msi .
I then downloaded the Python for Windows extensions
(the file was pywin32-203.win32-py2.4.exe ).
Double-clicked on that, and I got as far as "ready to
install". I then clicked the "next" button, and I got
the message "can't load Python for pre-install script".
This was weird, because at the start of things (when
I first double-clicked the .exe file), the .exe file
*did* find my Python install (in C:\Python24 ), so
goodness knows why it can't find Python later on .... :-)
I haven't changed anything from the defaults ....
the install of the .msi file was a full install, and I
changed nothing whatsoever.

[Steven Jennings]

Logged In: YES
user_id=80798

When you installed Python, did you install for everyone on
the system or just yourself? I did both installs. First,
just for myself(admin access login). The
pywin32-203.win32-py24.exe returned the "can't load Python
for pre-install script" error message. I then tried build
202. Same result. Uninstalling python, then installing it
for everyone cleared up the problem. Not the ideal
solution; but it did work. Evidently, the install script
does not expect you to have python installed for just one
user.

[Andy Elvey]

Logged In: YES
user_id=1116790

Hi, spjenni!
I apologise for not replying to your post earlier - I've
just arrived back from a week on Norfolk Island ... very
good it was, too.
Sucess! I followed your suggestion, uninstalling Python,
then doing a fresh re-install, making sure that I did it for
all users (not just myself). Then, installed the Python for
Windows extensions and yes - it works! ( After grabbing
mfc71.dll , of course :-)
Very many thanks for your help on this! Bye for now -
mr_moose