can't update MDAC files!!

[jeffr]

I'm running Windows XP and I can't install or run Jasc Photo Album software because my MDAC files are corrupt. I've tried to update them, but it won't work. Any ideas?

[LiVeWiRe]

jeffr,

What type of error(s) are you getting when trying to update?

Have you stopped all services that would rely on the mdac files when trying to update? Have you also stopped the antivirus services when trying to update these files?

-LW

[jeffr]

I'm not sure how to stop the processes. The error I get is "Error- Database="0" Jasc software said my MDAC files are corrupt, do I need to stop the processes that currently use the MDAC files before they can be upgraded? How should I do that? What is the correct way to install the MDAC update?

[LiVeWiRe]

jeffr,

Here is a list of apps/processes/services that use MDAC files:

Certificate Server
Exchange Server
Internet Explorer
Internet Information Server
Microsoft Office (All Office Applications)
Outlook and Outlook Express
SNA Server
SMS Server
SQL Server
Visual Studio (All Development Products)

Definitely make sure that IE, Outlook/Outlook Express and any MS Office apps are closed. You probably aren't running anything else but I listed the most common ones just in case.

I'm not sure if MDAC downloads are included in Windows Update, but if they are then that would probably be the best way to update. If not, then here is a central location for MDAC downloads:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/data/mdac/default.aspx

It would be a good idea to see if JASC recommends a particular version of MDAC to run with your software.

-LW