TechNote (Archived)

Windows installation troubleshooting

When faced with installation problems, first verify that you have purchased a copy of Dreamweaver for Windows. Then follow the instructions for installation in Safe mode or VGA mode. These instructions have been drawn up by our technical support department because they solve almost all cases of installation trouble.

A listing of other troubleshooting TechNotes can be found in Additional information below. If you're having trouble entering a serial number, see My serial number won't work during installation (ServiceNote 15282).

Verifying that the installation CD is for Windows
Take the installation CD out of the CD-ROM drive. On the face of the CD will be printed either "Power Macintosh" or "Windows." If you purchased the wrong CD, exchange it.
Installing in Safe Mode or VGA Mode.
Other software programs (including ones running in the background) on your computer may be interfering with the installation process. To ensure a clean install when troubleshooting, first completely uninstall and then reinstall Dreamweaver in Safe Mode or VGA Mode, as follows:
1. In normal mode, choose Start > Settings > Control Panel. Use Add/Remove Programs to uninstall Dreamweaver.
2. Copy the Dreamweaver installer from the installation CD onto the Desktop. (This is necessary because the CD-ROM drive will be disabled in Safe Mode.)
3. Reboot the computer system in Safe Mode/VGA Mode:
  - Windows (95/98/2000/ME)
    1. Restart the computer.
    2. During restart, hold down the F8 (Ctrl key for Windows 98 or ME).
    3. When the Windows startup menu appears, select Safe Mode.
  - Windows NT
    To start Windows NT in VGA mode, choose VGA Mode from the boot menu after restarting.
4. Run the installer previously copied to your Desktop.
5. Restart the computer in normal mode.
6. Launch Dreamweaver.