1. Make sure u use the appropriate version of oracle
   against the type of OS.
   for example, oracle 8i is not supported against
   windows ME
2. check the Oracle_Home you are attempting to install
   to and make sure there are no spaces or special
   characters in the directory. 
   The C:Program FilesOracle... is not a valid
   Oracle_Home for example. 
3. If you are attempting a 'Custom' install, please 
   try a 'Typical' install. 
4. Make sure u have enough swap Mem or the Virtual
   memory allocated 
   atleast 400-600 Megs of virtual mem would Do.
5. Make sure you are logged on the the operating
   system as an ADMINISTRATOR user with FULL
   priviliges 
6. there should be NO other programs/applications
   running during installation to avoid contention