Vista - Program installations hang

Hi

I tried to install a Dell update (Vista Home Premium, Admin account, Brand
new machine runs great) and its gets to about 70 percent then just stops.

I then installed other progs without issue but.....

Tried to install Messenger live and this does the same but at 0% no errors
just doesn't do anything...ever.

If I kill the installers and try again windows says that I am already
running an install. The only way around is to restart. I have removed all
relevent temps etc but neither of these will go in. No errors or entries in
firewall or AV or from windows.

How can I figure out whats going on? It just sits there supposedly
installing forever.


any ideas?