Intallation error 0x80070003, cannot install Vista

The file not found that ms.com says is the cause of the error is
correct. however, their specific solution about a user file may be only
one of the causes.

In my case, after getting this file on install, I first changed the
boot order to be HD first, then CD. Then, on a force boot from CD I was
able to narrow down the error. In my case, there was a boot descriptor
from a previous install lingering on the disk.

Note that even if you use the Vista installer disk formatter to format
your disk, it won't update the Master Boot Record (MBR).

I still had a GRUB boot loader from a previous install of linux on the
disk. I was able to boot from a USB drive with a linux kernel and
flatten the HD. After that, Vista installed easily.

Standard cautions about Low-level formats of IDE drives hold; be
careful.


--
cmarkham
Posted via http://www.vistaheads.com