VSTS FAQ - A problem has been encountered while loading the setup components. Cancelling setup.

After installing Visual Studio Team Suite 2008 last week and leaving the machine alone for the weekend, I came back today to install widgets, VSTS 2008 SP1 and other goodies.

Blue Fireman in a Uniform, Fighting a Fire Clipart IllustrationMy energetic day was slashed by an oncoming installation hiccup, with resulted in the infamous  “A problem has been encountered while loading the setup components. Cancelling setup. ” dialog while installing SP1 … in fact with any install|uninstall|fix attempts relating to VSTS 2008.

Three Blue Men Using Laptops in an Internet Cafe Clipart IllustrationFortunately, I ‘eventually’ explored the world wide universe on Google|Live and stumbled across a wave of similar problems. One advise was to go to the installed updates, find Visual Studio related updates and to uninstall them first. Be careful not too uninstall too much … as I did … it is soooo easy to click uninstall while chatting on a telephone and clicking confirm without thinking q;-( ….

I did so and am busy getting my system back to operational status … wish I did not uninstall MSDN and other stuff before pausing and reading. Remember, when you have a problem, check the internet … someone else has probably had the problem and resolved it for you!

Most importantly, think before you hit the confirm button … “Read” the questions and/or instructions.