I have tried to install GIMP (for windows) several times from the main site but every time I open the installer it either crashes instantly or lets me get as far as the actual installation and then closes for no reason. I would appreciate any suggestions.

well hard to suggest something if you do not add details

I am running on Windows XP and the computer type is Dell Laptop Latitude D620. Besides that there are no other details. I download the installer but when i try to run it it crashes shortly after inexplicably. I tried a different mirror but that didnt help either. Any suggestions?

Tygron,

Are you downloading your exe file from here:

http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gimp-win/gimp-2.4.5-i686-setup.exe

Just wanting to make sure we are on the same page regarding the installer you are downloading first.

:h:

The installer you try is this http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gimp-win/gimp-2.4.5-i686-setup.exe ?

Did you
1) have sufficient right on that computer..as admin you may install as user computer may block access to some areas and basically block installation
2 wait to the download to finish (even if visible on the desktop the file may be not completed , are several MB)
3 turn off antivirus or similar that may prevent a install (you may well run antivirus on the file before install, but some as Spyware search&destroy may prevent to install some sw)

then a problem may be with slow or "jumpy" connection...often if there is a pause in download is interpreted as a "complete download" but obviously files are missed or incomplete

Then but i suppose you know, is better close all other SW when installing

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then you get error messages or warning or similar when you run the installer?
well try again downloading from that link...and also check the file size checksum will be the best way anyway file is of 16758784 byte if less there are download problem

Yes of course i downloaded it from there. I have received no warning messages. I am sure as pie that i am admin on my computer, though I did purchase it from the school. Other than that nothing. Its exactly how i explained it. It just plain crashes.