Can't install PostgreSQL: An error occurred executing the Microsoft VC++ runtime installer on Windows XP

Question

I downloaded installer postgresql-9.0.1-1-windows.exe from the official site, ran it, and then got an error:

An error occurred executing the Microsoft VC+

Answer 1

Take special care that your Windows user's folder name does not contain spaces. PostgreSQL (as of version 9.2.2.1) handles that poorly. If I use this account on Windows XP, installation fails with the "An error occurred executing the Microsoft C++ runtime installer" message:

"C:\Documents and settings\Jimmy (admin)"

But it runs just fine with this:

"C:\Documents and settings\Jimmy-admin"

The spaces in "Documents and settings" don't seem to bother the installer. Go figure.