If I get the install to the point where it prompts me "Service 'PostgreSQL Database Server 8.3'(pgsql-8.3) failed to start. Verify that you have sufficient priveleges to start system services", I can connect to the database with pgAdmin III without any apparent issues. So....if you close the installer forcibly at this point it will be ok, or at least appear as such to a cursory inspection. It's a hack, but it'll do me for the time being, Regards, Peter